Ford Explorer, Maintaince And Repair Manual

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counteract the slide in time.
Note that snow tires, whether 2 or 4, will affect vehicle handling in all non−snow situations. The stiffer,
heavier snow tires will noticeably change the turning and braking characteristics of the vehicle. Once the
snow tires are installed, you must re−learn the behavior of the vehicle and drive accordingly.
Consider buying extra wheels on which to mount the snow tires. Once done, the "snow wheels'' can be
installed and removed as needed. This eliminates the potential damage to tires or wheels from seasonal
removal and installation. Even if your vehicle has styled wheels, see if inexpensive steel wheels are
available. Although the look of the vehicle will change, the expensive wheels will be protected from salt,
curb hits and pothole damage.
TIRE STORAGE
If they are mounted on wheels, store the tires at proper inflation pressure. All tires should be kept in a cool,
dry place. If they are stored in the garage or basement, do not let them stand on a concrete floor; set them on
strips of wood, a mat or a large stack of newspaper. Keeping them away from direct moisture is of paramount
importance. Tires should not be stored upright, but in a flat position.
INFLATION & INSPECTION
The importance of proper tire inflation cannot be overemphasized. A tire employs air as part of its structure. It
is designed around the supporting strength of the air at a specified pressure. For this reason, improper inflation
drastically reduces the tire's ability to perform as intended. A tire will lose some air in day−to−day use; having
to add a few pounds of air periodically is not necessarily a sign of a leaking tire.
Two items should be a permanent fixture in every glove compartment: an accurate tire pressure gauge and a
tread depth gauge. Check the tire pressure (including the spare) regularly with a pocket type gauge. Too often,
the gauge on the end of the air hose at your corner garage is not accurate because it suffers too much abuse.
Always check tire pressure when the tires are cold, as pressure increases with temperature. If you must move
the vehicle to check the tire inflation, do not drive more than a mile before checking. A cold tire is generally
one that has not been driven for more than three hours.
Tires with deep cuts, or cuts which bulge, should be replaced immediately
HOW TO USE THIS BOOK
TIRE STORAGE 99