Your Vehicle: 2001 Ford Escort ZX2 L4-2.0L DOHC VIN 3
 
Vehicle » Maintenance » Wheels and Tires » Description and Operation  
 
 
  Description and Operation  
 

WARNING: DO NOT MIX DIFFERENT TYPES OF TIRES ON THE SAME VEHICLE SUCH AS RADIAL, BIAS, OR BIAS-BELTED TIRES EXCEPT IN EMERGENCIES (TEMPORARY SPARE USAGE), BECAUSE VEHICLE HANDLING MAY BE SERIOUSLY AFFECTED AND MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL.

Factory-installed tires and wheels are designed to operate satisfactorily with loads up to and including full-rated load capacity when inflated to recommended inflation pressures.

Correct tire pressure and driving techniques have an important influence on tire life. Heavy cornering, excessively rapid acceleration and unnecessary sharp braking increase tire wear.

Replacement tires should follow the recommended:

  • Tire sizes.
  • Speed rating.
  • Load range.
  • Radial construction type.

Use of any other tire size or type may seriously affect:

  • Ride.
  • Handling.
  • Speedometer/odometer calibration.
  • Vehicle ground clearance.
  • Tire clearance between the body and chassis.
  • Wheel bearing life.
  • Brake cooling.

Wheels need to be replaced when:

  • Bent.
  • Dented.
  • Cracked.
  • Heavily rusted.
  • Leaking.
  • They have elongated wheel hub bolt holes.
  • They have excessive lateral or radial runout.

The spare tire is mounted in the luggage compartment under the mat. The valve stem should be on the top side of the tire to reduce the possibility of accidental valve stem air leakage.

To equalize tire wear, the tires should be rotated at recommended intervals.