2013 Ford Escape Owner Manual Printing 4 - Page 267

Wheels and Tires Four-wheel drive vehicles (front tires on the left side of the diagram) Follow these guidelines when using snow tires and traction devices • • If possible, avoid fully loading your vehicle Purchase chains or cables from a manufacturer that clearly labels body to tire dimension restrictions. Use 10 mm cables or chains only on front axle with 235/55R17 tires. Not all S-class snow chains or cables meet these restrictions. Chains of this size restriction will include a tensioning device. The snow chains or cables must be mounted in pairs on the front axle. Do not use chains or cables on 235/50R18 and 235/45R19 tires. Install cables securely, verifying that the cables do not touch any wiring, brake lines or fuel lines. When driving with tire cables do not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h) or the maximum speed recommended by the chain manufacturer, whichever is less. Drive cautiously. If you hear the cables rub or bang against the vehicle, stop and retighten them. If this does not work, remove the cables to prevent vehicle damage. Remove the cables when they are no longer needed. Do not use cables on dry roads. • • • ( Sometimes irregular tire wear can be corrected by rotating the tires. USING SNOW CHAINS WARNING Snow tires must be the same size, load index, speed rating as those originally provided by Ford. Use of any tire or wheel not recommended by Ford can affect the safety and performance of your vehicle, which could result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death. Additionally, the use of non-recommended tires and wheels could cause steering, suspension, axle, transfer case or power transfer unit failure. The tires on your vehicle have all-weather treads to provide traction in rain and snow. However, in some climates, you may need to use snow tires and cables. If you need to use cables, it is recommended that steel wheels (of the same size and specifications) be used, as cables may chip aluminum wheels. • • • • • If you have any questions regarding snow chains or cables, please contact your authorized dealer. 263 Escape (TM2)