2003 Ford Escape Owner's Manual - Page 165

Maintenance and Specifications Note: Do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed and do not remove it while the engine is running. CHANGING THE AIR FILTER ELEMENT 1. Release the clamp locking clip on the front portion of the air filter housing. 2. Then swing the left side open and remove the air filter element. 3. When installing the air filter element, ensure the nubs on the air filter element and the air filter housing are aligned. 4. Swing the left side of the air filter housing closed and secure the clamp. INFORMATION ABOUT UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING New vehicles are fitted with tires that have a rating on them called Tire Quality Grades. The Quality grades can be found where applicable on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and maximum section width. For example: • Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A These Tire Quality Grades are determined by standards that the United States Department of Transportation has set. Tire Quality Grades apply to new pneumatic tires for use on passenger cars. They do not apply to deep tread, winter-type snow tires, space-saver or temporary use spare tires, tires with nominal rim diameters of 10 to 12 inches or limited production tires as defined in Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations Part 575.104(c)(2). U.S. Department of Transportation-Tire quality grades: The U.S. Department of Transportation requires Ford to give you the following information about tire grades exactly as the government has written it. 165