2004 Ford Escape Owner's Manual - Page 230

Maintenance and Specifications 6. Visually inspect the tires to make sure there are no nails or other objects embedded that could poke a hole in the tire and cause an air leak. 7. Check the sidewalls to make sure there are no gouges, cuts, bulges or other irregularities. Tire and wheel alignment A bad jolt from hitting a curb or pothole can cause the front end of your vehicle to become misaligned or damage to your tires. If your vehicle seems to pull to one side, vibrate or shake when you're driving, the wheels may be out of alignment. Have a qualified technician at a reputable repair facility check the wheel alignment periodically. Wheel misalignment in the front or the rear can cause uneven and rapid treadwear of your tires and should be corrected by a qualified technician at a reputable repair facility. Front wheel drive (FWD) vehicles, and those with independent front suspension require alignment of all four wheels. The tires should also be balanced periodically. An unbalanced tire and wheel assembly may result in irregular tire wear. Tire rotation Rotating your tires at the recommended interval (as indicated in the Service Maintenance Guide that comes with your vehicle) will help your tires wear more evenly providing better tire performance and longer tire life. Unless otherwise specified, rotate the tires approximately every 8,000 km (5,000 miles). 230 2004 Escape (204) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)