Get Tires, Wheels and Loading -> TIRE CARE Guide for Ford Explorer SUV Fifth Generation (2005-2011)

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TIRE CARE

Inspecting your tires and wheel valve stems

Periodically inspect the tire treads for uneven or excessive wear and

remove objects such as stones, nails or glass that may be wedged in the

tread grooves. Check the tire and valve stems for holes, cracks, or cuts

that may permit air leakage and repair or replace the tire and replace

the valve stem. Inspect the tire sidewalls for cracking, cuts, bruises and

other signs of damage or excessive wear. If internal damage to the tire is

suspected, have the tire demounted and inspected in case it needs to be

repaired or replaced. For your safety, tires that are damaged or show

signs of excessive wear should not be used because they are more likely

to blow out or fail.

Improper or inadequate vehicle maintenance can cause tires to wear

abnormally. Inspect all your tires, including the spare, frequently, and

replace them if one or more of the following conditions exist:

Tire wear

When the tread is worn down to

1/16th of an inch (2 mm), tires must

be replaced to help prevent your

vehicle from skidding and

hydroplaning. Built-in treadwear

indicators, or “wear bars”, which

look like narrow strips of smooth

rubber across the tread will appear

on the tire when the tread is worn

down to 1/16th of an inch (2 mm).

When the tire tread wears down to

the same height as these “wear bars”, the tire is worn out and must be

replaced.

Damage

Periodically inspect the tire treads and sidewalls for damage (such as

bulges in the tread or sidewalls, cracks in the tread groove and

separation in the tread or sidewall). If damage is observed or suspected

have the tire inspected by a tire professional. Tires can be damaged

during off-road use, so inspection after off-road use is also

recommended.

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WARNING: Age

Tires degrade over time depending on many factors such as

weather, storage conditions, and conditions of use (load, speed,

inflation pressure, etc.) the tires experience throughout their lives.

In general, tires should be replaced after six years regardless of tread

wear. However, heat caused by hot climates or frequent high loading

conditions can accelerate the aging process and may require tires to be

replaced more frequently.

You should replace your spare tire when you replace the road tires or

after six years due to aging even if it has not been used.

U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number (TIN)

Both U.S. and Canada Federal regulations require tire manufacturers to

place standardized information on the sidewall of all tires. This

information identifies and describes the fundamental characteristics of

the tire and also provides a U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number for

safety standard certification and in case of a recall.

This begins with the letters “DOT” and indicates that the tire meets all

federal standards. The next two numbers or letters are the plant code

designating where it was manufactured, the next two are the tire size

code and the last four numbers represent the week and year the tire was

built. For example, the numbers 317 mean the 31st week of 1997. After

2000 the numbers go to four digits. For example, 2501 means the 25th

week of 2001. The numbers in between are identification codes used for

traceability. This information is used to contact customers if a tire defect

requires a recall.

Tire replacement requirements

Your vehicle is equipped with tires designed to provide a safe ride and

handling capability.

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WARNING: Only use replacement tires and wheels that are the

same size, load index, speed rating and type (such as P-metric

versus LT-metric or all-season versus all-terrain) as those originally

provided by Ford. The recommended tire and wheel size may be found

on either the Safety Compliance Certification Label or the Tire Label

which is located on the B-Pillar or edge of the driver’s door. If this

information is not found on these labels then you should contact your

authorized dealer as soon as possible. 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 or transfer case/power transfer unit failure. If you

have questions regarding tire replacement, contact your authorized

dealer as soon as possible.

WARNING: When mounting replacement tires and wheels, you

should not exceed the maximum pressure indicated on the

sidewall of the tire to set the beads without additional precautions

listed below. If the beads do not seat at the maximum pressure

indicated, re-lubricate and try again.

When inflating the tire for mounting pressures up to 20 psi (1.38 bar)

greater than the maximum pressure on the tire sidewall, the following

precautions must be taken to protect the person mounting the tire:

1. Make sure that you have the correct tire and wheel size.

2. Lubricate the tire bead and wheel bead seat area again.

3. Stand at a minimum of 12 ft. (3.66 m) away from the tire wheel

assembly.

4. Use both eye and ear protection.

For a mounting pressure more than 20 psi (1.38 bar) greater than the

maximum pressure, a Ford Dealer or other tire service professional

should do the mounting.

Always inflate steel carcass tires with a remote air fill with the person

inflating standing at a minimum of 12 ft. (3.66 m) away from the tire

wheel assembly.

Important: Remember to replace the wheel valve stems when the road

tires are replaced on your vehicle.

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It is recommended that the two front tires or two rear tires generally be

replaced as a pair.

The tire pressure sensors mounted in the wheels (originally installed on

your vehicle) are not designed to be used in aftermarket wheels.

The use of wheels or tires not recommended by Ford Motor Company

may affect the operation of your Tire Pressure Monitoring System.

If the TPMS indicator is flashing, your TPMS is malfunctioning. Your

replacement tire might be incompatible with your TPMS, or some

component of the TPMS may be damaged.

Safety practices

Driving habits have a great deal to do with your tire mileage and safety.

• Observe posted speed limits

• Avoid fast starts, stops and turns

• Avoid potholes and objects on the road

• Do not run over curbs or hit the tire against a curb when parking

WARNING: If your vehicle is stuck in snow, mud, sand, etc., do

not rapidly spin the tires; spinning the tires can tear the tire and

cause an explosion. A tire can explode in as little as three to five

seconds.

WARNING: Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph (56 km/h).

The tires may fail and injure a passenger or bystander.

Highway hazards

No matter how carefully you drive there’s always the possibility that you

may eventually have a flat tire on the highway. Drive slowly to the

closest safe area out of traffic. This may further damage the flat tire, but

your safety is more important.

If you feel a sudden vibration or ride disturbance while driving, or you

suspect your tire or vehicle has been damaged, immediately reduce your

speed. Drive with caution until you can safely pull off the road. Stop and

inspect the tires for damage. If a tire is under-inflated or damaged,

deflate it, remove wheel and replace it with your spare tire and wheel. If

you cannot detect a cause, have the vehicle towed to the nearest repair

facility or tire dealer to have the vehicle inspected.

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 cause damage to your tires. If your

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vehicle seems to pull to one side when you’re driving, the wheels may be

out of alignment. Have an authorized dealer 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 an authorized dealer.

Front wheel drive (FWD) vehicles and those with an independent rear

suspension (if equipped) may 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

scheduled maintenance information that comes with your vehicle) will

help your tires wear more evenly, providing better tire performance and

longer tire life.

• Rear Wheel Drive (RWD)

vehicles/Four Wheel Drive

(4WD)/All Wheel Drive (AWD)

vehicles (front tires at top of

diagram)

Sometimes irregular tire wear can be corrected by rotating the tires.

Note: If your tires show uneven wear ask an authorized dealer to check

for and correct any wheel misalignment, tire imbalance or mechanical

problem involved before tire rotation.

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Note: Your vehicle may be equipped with a dissimilar spare tire/wheel. A

dissimilar spare tire/wheel is defined as a spare tire and/or wheel that is

different in brand, size or appearance from the road tires and wheels. If

you have a dissimilar spare tire/wheel it is intended for temporary use

only and should not be used in a tire rotation.

Note: After having your tires rotated, inflation pressure must be checked

and adjusted to the vehicle requirements.

INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THE TIRE SIDEWALL

Both U.S. and Canada Federal regulations require tire manufacturers to

place standardized information on the sidewall of all tires. This

information identifies and describes the fundamental characteristics of

the tire and also provides a U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number for

safety standard certification and in case of a recall.

Information on “P” type tires

P215/65R15 95H is an example of a

tire size, load index and speed

rating. The definitions of these

items are listed below. (Note that

the tire size, load index and speed

rating for your vehicle may be

different from this example.)

1. P: Indicates a tire, designated by

the Tire and Rim Association

(T&RA), that may be used for

service on cars, SUVs, minivans and

light trucks.

Note: If your tire size does not

begin with a letter this may mean it

is designated by either ETRTO

(European Tire and Rim Technical Organization) or JATMA (Japan Tire

Manufacturing Association).

2. 215: Indicates the nominal width of the tire in millimeters from

sidewall edge to sidewall edge. In general, the larger the number, the

wider the tire.

3. 65: Indicates the aspect ratio which gives the tire’s ratio of height to

width.

4. R: Indicates a “radial” type tire.

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5. 15: Indicates the wheel or rim diameter in inches. If you change your

wheel size, you will have to purchase new tires to match the new wheel

diameter.

6. 95: Indicates the tire’s load index. It is an index that relates to how

much weight a tire can carry. You may find this information in your

Owner’s Guide. If not, contact a local tire dealer.

Note: You may not find this information on all tires because it is not

required by federal law.

7. H: Indicates the tire’s speed rating. The speed rating denotes the

speed at which a tire is designed to be driven for extended periods of

time under a standard condition of load and inflation pressure. The tires

on your vehicle may operate at different conditions for load and inflation

pressure. These speed ratings may need to be adjusted for the difference

in conditions. The ratings range from 81 mph (130 km/h) to 186 mph

(299 km/h). These ratings are listed in the following chart.

Note: You may not find this information on all tires because it is not

required by federal law.

Letter rating

Speed rating - mph (km/h)

81 mph (130 km/h)

87 mph (140 km/h)

99 mph (159 km/h)

106 mph (171 km/h)

112 mph (180 km/h)

118 mph (190 km/h)

124 mph (200 km/h)

130 mph (210 km/h)

149 mph (240 km/h)

168 mph (270 km/h)

186 mph (299 km/h)

M

N

Q

R

S

T

U

H

V

W

Y

Note: For tires with a maximum speed capability over 149 mph

(240 km/h), tire manufacturers sometimes use the letters ZR. For

those with a maximum speed capability over 186 mph (299 km/h), tire

manufacturers always use the letters ZR.

8. U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number (TIN): This begins with the

letters “DOT” and indicates that the tire meets all federal standards. The

next two numbers or letters are the plant code designating where it was

manufactured, the next two are the tire size code and the last four

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numbers represent the week and year the tire was built. For example,

the numbers 317 mean the 31st week of 1997. After 2000 the numbers

go to four digits. For example, 2501 means the 25th week of 2001. The

numbers in between are identification codes used for traceability. This

information is used to contact customers if a tire defect requires a recall.

9. M+S or M/S: Mud and Snow, or

AT: All Terrain, or

AS: All Season.

10. Tire Ply Composition and Material Used: Indicates the number of

plies or the number of layers of rubber-coated fabric in the tire tread and

sidewall. Tire manufacturers also must indicate the ply materials in the

tire and the sidewall, which include steel, nylon, polyester, and others.

11. Maximum Load: Indicates the maximum load in kilograms and

pounds that can be carried by the tire. Refer to the Safety Compliance

Certification Label, which is located on the B-Pillar or the edge of the

driver’s door, for the correct tire pressure for your vehicle.

12. Treadwear, Traction and Temperature Grades

• Treadwear: The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the

wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a

specified government test course. For example, a tire graded 150

would wear one and one-half (1¹⁄

course as a tire graded 100.

2) times as well on the government

• Traction: The traction grades, from highest to lowest are AA, A, B,

and C. The grades represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement

as measured under controlled conditions on specified government test

surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor

traction performance.

• Temperature: The temperature grades are A (the highest), B and C,

representing the tire’s resistance to the generation of heat and its

ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions on a

specified indoor laboratory test wheel.

13. Maximum Permissible Inflation Pressure: Indicates the tire

manufacturers’ maximum permissible pressure and/or the pressure at

which the maximum load can be carried by the tire. This pressure is

normally higher than the manufacturer’s recommended cold inflation

pressure which can be found on the Safety Compliance Certification

Label or Tire Label which is located on the B-Pillar or the edge of the

driver’s door. The cold inflation pressure should never be set lower than

the recommended pressure on the vehicle label.

The tire suppliers may have additional markings, notes or warnings such

as standard load, radial tubeless, etc.

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Additional information contained on the tire sidewall for “LT” type

tires

“LT” type tires have some additional

information beyond those of “P”

type tires; these differences are

described below.

Note: Tire Quality Grades do not

apply to this type of tire.

1. LT: Indicates a tire, designated by

the Tire and Rim Association

(T&RA), that is intended for service

on light trucks.

2. Load Range/Load Inflation

Limits: Indicates the tire’s

load-carrying capabilities and its

inflation limits.

3. Maximum Load Dual lb (kg) at psi (kPa) cold: Indicates the

maximum load and tire pressure when the tire is used as a dual; defined

as four tires on the rear axle (a total of six or more tires on the vehicle).

4. Maximum Load Single lb (kg) at psi (kPa) cold: Indicates the

maximum load and tire pressure when the tire is used as a single;

defined as two tires (total) on the rear axle.

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Information on “T” type tires

“T” type tires have some additional

information beyond those of “P”

type tires; these differences are

described below:

T145/80D16 is an example of a tire

size.

Note: The temporary tire size for

your vehicle may be different from

this example. Tire Quality Grades do

not apply to this type of tire.

1. T: Indicates a type of tire,

designated by the Tire and Rim

Association (T&RA), that is

intended for temporary service on

cars, SUVs, minivans and light

trucks.

2. 145: Indicates the nominal width

of the tire in millimeters from sidewall edge to sidewall edge. In general,

the larger the number, the wider the tire.

3. 80: Indicates the aspect ratio which gives the tire’s ratio of height to

width. Numbers of 70 or lower indicate a short sidewall.

4. D: Indicates a “diagonal” type tire.

R: Indicates a “radial” type tire.

5. 16: Indicates the wheel or rim diameter in inches. If you change your

wheel size, you will have to purchase new tires to match the new wheel

diameter.

Location of the tire label

You will find a Tire Label containing tire inflation pressure by tire size

and other important information located on the B-Pillar or the edge of

the driver’s door. Refer to the payload description and graphic in the

Vehicle loading — with and without a trailer section.

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TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS)

Each tire, including the spare (if

provided), should be checked

monthly when cold and inflated to

the inflation pressure recommended

by the vehicle manufacturer on the

vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle has tires

of a different size than the size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire

inflation pressure label, you should determine the proper tire inflation

pressure for those tires.)

As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a tire

pressure monitoring system (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure

telltale when one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated.

Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you should

stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the

proper pressure. Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the

tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also reduces

fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s handling

and stopping ability.

Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire

maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to maintain correct tire

pressure, even if under-inflation has not reached the level to trigger

illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure telltale.

Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator

to indicate when the system is not operating properly. The TPMS

malfunction indicator is combined with the low tire pressure telltale.

When the system detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for

approximately one minute and then remain continuously illuminated.

This sequence will continue upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as

the malfunction exists.

When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system may not be

able to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions

may occur for a variety of reasons, including the installation of

replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the

TPMS from functioning properly. Always check the TPMS malfunction

telltale after replacing one or more tires or wheels on your vehicle to

ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the

TPMS to continue to function properly.

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The Tire Pressure Monitoring System complies with part 15 of the FCC

rules and with RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the

following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful

interference, and (2) This device must accept any interference received,

including interference that may cause undesired operation.

WARNING: The Tire Pressure Monitoring System is NOT a

substitute for manually checking tire pressure. The tire pressure

should be checked periodically (at least monthly) using a tire gauge,

see Inflating your tires in this chapter. Failure to properly maintain

your tire pressure could increase the risk of tire failure, loss of control,

vehicle rollover and personal injury.

Changing tires with TPMS

Each road tire is equipped with

a tire pressure sensor fastened

to the inside rim of the wheel.

The pressure sensor is covered

by the tire and is not visible

unless the tire is removed. The

pressure sensor is located

opposite (180 degrees) from the

valve stem. Care must be taken

when changing the tire to avoid

damaging the sensor. It is

recommended that you always have

your tires serviced by an authorized

dealer.

The tire pressure should be checked

periodically (at least monthly) using

an accurate tire gauge, refer to

Inflating your tires in this chapter.

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Understanding your Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

The Tire Pressure Monitoring System measures pressure in your four

road tires and sends the tire pressure readings to your vehicle. The Low

Tire Pressure Warning Lamp will turn ON if the tire pressure is

significantly low. Once the light is illuminated, your tires are under

inflated and need to be inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended tire

pressure. Even if the light turns ON and a short time later turns OFF,

your tire pressure still needs to be checked. Visit www.checkmytires.org

for additional information.

When your temporary spare tire is installed

When one of your road tires needs to be replaced with the temporary

spare, the TPMS system will continue to identify an issue to remind you

that the damaged road wheel/tire needs to be repaired and put back on

your vehicle.

To restore the full functionality of the Tire Pressure Monitoring System,

have the damaged road wheel/tire repaired and remounted on your

vehicle. For additional information, refer to Changing tires with TPMS

in this section.

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When you believe your system is not operating properly

The main function of the Tire Pressure Monitoring System is to warn you

when your tires need air. It can also warn you in the event the system is no

longer capable of functioning as intended. Please refer to the following

chart for information concerning your Tire Pressure Monitoring System:

Low Tire Pressure Possible cause Customer Action Required

Warning Light

Solid Warning Light Tire(s)

under-inflated

1. Check your tire pressure to

ensure tires are properly

inflated; refer to Inflating

your tires in this chapter.

2. After inflating your tires to

the manufacturer’s

recommended inflation

pressure as shown on the Tire

Label (located on the edge of

driver’s door or the B-Pillar),

the vehicle must be driven for

at least two minutes over

20 mph (32 km/h) before the

light will turn OFF.

Spare tire in use Your temporary spare tire is in

use. Repair the damaged road

wheel/tire and reinstall it on

the vehicle to restore system

functionality. For a description

on how the system functions,

refer to When your temporary

spare tire is installed in this

section.

TPMS

malfunction

If your tires are properly

inflated and your spare tire is

not in use and the light

remains ON, contact your

authorized dealer as soon as

possible.

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Low Tire Pressure Possible cause Customer Action Required

Warning Light

Flashing Warning

Light

Spare tire in use Your temporary spare tire is in

use. Repair the damaged road

wheel and re-mount it on the

vehicle to restore system

functionality. For a description

of how the system functions

under these conditions, refer to

When your temporary spare

tire is installed in this section.

TPMS

malfunction

If your tires are properly

inflated and your spare tire is

not in use and the TPMS

warning light still flashes,

contact your authorized dealer

as soon as possible.

When inflating your tires

When putting air into your tires (such as at a gas station or in your

garage), the Tire Pressure Monitoring System may not respond

immediately to the air added to your tires.

It may take up to two minutes of driving over 20 mph (32 km/h) for the

light to turn OFF after you have filled your tires to the recommended

inflation pressure.

How temperature affects your tire pressure

The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) monitors tire pressure in

each pneumatic tire. While driving in a normal manner, a typical

passenger tire inflation pressure may increase approximately 2 to 4 psi

(14 to 28 kPa) from a cold start situation. If the vehicle is stationary

over night with the outside temperature significantly lower than the

daytime temperature, the tire pressure may decrease approximately 3 psi

(21 kPa) for a drop of 30°F (17°C) in ambient temperature. This lower

pressure value may be detected by the TPMS as being significantly lower

than the recommended inflation pressure and activate the TPMS warning

for low tire pressure. If the low tire pressure warning light is ON, visually

check each tire to verify that no tire is flat. (If one or more tires are flat,

repair as necessary.) Check air pressure in the road tires. If any tire is

under-inflated, carefully drive the vehicle to the nearest location where

air can be added to the tires. Inflate all the tires to the recommended

inflation pressure.

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