2004 Ford F150 Driving Your SUV or Truck 2nd Printing (Spanish) - Page 38

Inspecting and Inflating Your Tires Maximum Permissible Inflation Pressure Tire manufactures maximum permissible pressure and/or the pressure at which the maximum load can be carried by the tire. This pressure is normally higher than the manufacturer's recommended cold inflation pressure which can be found on either the tire label or certification label which is located on the structure by the trailing edge of the driver's door or the edge of the driver's door. The cold inflation pressure should never be set lower than the recommended pressure on the vehicle label. Note: You may not find this information on all tires because it is not required by federal law. The tire suppliers may have additional markings, notes or warnings such as standard load, radial tubeless, etc. Tires can slowly lose pressure due to normal use or due to changes in weather. For example, a 10 degree temperature drop can cause a corresponding drop of 7 kPa (1 psi) in tire inflation pressure. Maintain proper tire inflation pressure. Under-inflation is the most common cause of tire failures. Under-inflation increases sidewall flexing and rolling resistance, resulting in heat buildup and internal damage to the tire. Operating your vehicle with under-inflated tires may result in severe tire cracking, tread separation or tire "blowout", which can lead to loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, serious injury or death. The Ford recommended inflation pressure is based on cold tire pressure. Tire pressure increases even after driving short distances, so try to check tire inflation pressures before driving. If you are checking tire pressure when the tire is hot, (i.e. driven more than 1.6 km [1mile]), never "bleed" or reduce air pressure. A hot tire with a tire pressure at or below recommended cold inflation pressure could be significantly under-inflated. To check the pressure in your tire(s): 1. Make sure the tires are cool, meaning they are not hot from driving even a mile. Note: If you have to drive a distance to get air for your tire(s), check and record the tire pressure first and add the appropriate air pressure when you get to the pump. It is normal for tires to heat up and the air pressure inside to go up as you drive. Never "bleed" or reduce air pressure when tires are hot. 2. Remove the cap from the valve on one tire, then firmly press the tire gauge onto the valve. 14