2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Owner Guide 3rd Printing - Page 154

Tires, Wheels and Loading SNOW TIRES AND TRACTION DEVICES Snow tires must be the same size and grade as the original tires. Your tires have all-weather treads to provide traction in the rain and snow. In some climate, using snow tires or traction devices may be necessary. Ford Motor Company offers tire cables as a Ford approved accessory and recommends use of these or SAE class "S" cables. See your dealer for more information. Follow these guidelines: • Do not use tire cables or chains with P255/70R16 size tires. • Cables or chains should only be used on the rear wheels. • If you need to use chains, it is recommended that steel wheels (of the same size and specification) be used, as chains may chip aluminum wheels. • Install cables or chains securely, verifying that they do not touch any wiring, brake lines or fuel lines. • Avoid overloading your vehicle. • Do not use cables or chains on dry roads. • Do not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h). • Drive cautiously. Remove the cables or chains when they are no longer needed. VEHICLE LOADING - WITH AND WITHOUT A TRAILER This section will guide you in the proper loading of your vehicle and/or trailer, to keep your loaded vehicle weight within its design rating capability, with or without a trailer. Properly loading your vehicle will provide maximum return of vehicle design performance. Before loading your vehicle, familiarize yourself with the following terms for determining your vehicle's weight ratings, with or without a trailer, from the vehicle's Safety Compliance Certification Label: Base Curb Weight - is the weight of the vehicle including a full tank of fuel and all standard equipment. It does not include passengers, cargo, or optional equipment. Vehicle Curb Weight - is the weight of your new vehicle when you picked it up from your dealer plus any aftermarket equipment. 154 2005 Explorer Sport Trac (p27) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA (fus)