Get Tires, Wheels and Loading -> TIRE CARE Guide for Ford Focus 4 Door Second Generation (2004-2010)

Tires, Wheels and Loading

Note: If you have to drive a distance to get air for your tire(s), check

and record the tire pressure first and add the appropriate air pressure

when you get to the pump. It is normal for tires to heat up and the air

pressure inside to go up as you drive.

2. Remove the cap from the valve on one tire, then firmly press the tire

gauge onto the valve and measure the pressure with the tire gauge.

3. Add enough air to reach the recommended air pressure.

Note: If you overfill the tire, release air by pushing on the metal stem in

the center of the valve. Then recheck the pressure with your tire gauge.

4. Replace the valve cap.

5. Repeat this procedure for each tire, including the spare.

Note: Some spare tires operate at a higher inflation pressure than the

other tires. For T-type/mini-spare tires (see T-Type/Mini-Spare Tire

Information section for description): Store and maintain at 60 psi

(4.15 bar). For Full Size and Dissimilar spare tires (see Dissimilar

Spare Tire/Wheel Information section for description): Store and

maintain at the higher of the front and rear inflation pressure as shown

on the Safety Compliance Certification Label or the Tire Label.

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 or bulges.

TIRE CARE

Inspecting your tires

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 for holes or cuts that may permit air leakage from

the tire and make necessary repairs. Also 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.

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Tires, Wheels and Loading

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.

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.

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2007 Focus (foc)

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Tires, Wheels and Loading

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.

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 consult your Ford Dealer.

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, see an

authorized dealer.

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2007 Focus (foc)

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Tires, Wheels and Loading -> TIRE CARE for Your Ford Focus 4 Door Second Generation (2004-2010)

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