Get Tires, Wheels and Loading -> Tire inflation Guide for Ford Fusion 4 Door First Generation (2006-2012)

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• Extra load: A class of P-metric or Metric tires designed to carry a

heavier maximum load at 41 psi [43 psi (2.9 bar) for Metric tires].

Increasing the inflation pressure beyond this pressure will not increase

the tire’s load carrying capability.

• kPa: Kilopascal, a metric unit of air pressure.

• PSI: Pounds per square inch, a standard unit of air pressure.

• Cold inflation pressure: The tire pressure when the vehicle has

been stationary and out of direct sunlight for an hour or more and

prior to the vehicle being driven for 1 mile (1.6 km).

• Recommended inflation pressure: The cold inflation pressure found

on the Safety Compliance Certification Label or Tire Label located on

the B-Pillar or the edge of the driver’s door.

• B-pillar: The structural member at the side of the vehicle behind the

front door.

• Bead area of the tire: Area of the tire next to the rim.

• Sidewall of the tire: Area between the bead area and the tread.

• Tread area of the tire: Area of the perimeter of the tire that

contacts the road when mounted on the vehicle.

• Rim: The metal support (wheel) for a tire or a tire and tube assembly

upon which the tire beads are seated.

INFLATING YOUR TIRES

Safe operation of your vehicle requires that your tires are properly

inflated. Remember that a tire can lose up to half of its air pressure

without appearing flat.

Every day before you drive, check your tires. If one looks lower than the

others, use a tire gauge to check pressure of all tires and adjust if required.

At least once a month and before long trips, inspect each tire and check

the tire pressure with a tire gauge (including spare, if equipped). Inflate

all tires to the inflation pressure recommended by Ford Motor Company.

You are strongly urged to buy a reliable tire pressure gauge, as automatic

service station gauges may be inaccurate. Ford recommends the use of a

digital or dial-type tire pressure gauge rather than a stick-type tire

pressure gauge.

Use the recommended cold inflation pressure for optimum tire

performance and wear. Under-inflation or over-inflation may cause

uneven treadwear patterns.

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WARNING: Under-inflation is the most common cause of tire

failures and may result in severe tire cracking, tread separation

or “blowout”, with unexpected loss of vehicle control and increased

risk of injury. Under-inflation increases sidewall flexing and rolling

resistance, resulting in heat buildup and internal damage to the tire. It

also may result in unnecessary tire stress, irregular wear, loss of

vehicle control and accidents. A tire can lose up to half of its air

pressure and not appear to be flat!

Always inflate your tires to the Ford recommended inflation pressure

even if it is less than the maximum inflation pressure information found

on the tire. The Ford recommended tire inflation pressure is 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. Failure to follow the tire

pressure recommendations can cause uneven treadwear patterns and

adversely affect the way your vehicle handles.

Maximum Permissible Inflation Pressure is the tire manufacturer’s

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 Safety Compliance Certification Label or

Tire Label.

When weather temperature changes occur, tire inflation pressures also

change. A 10°F (6°C) temperature drop can cause a corresponding drop

of 1 psi (7 kPa) in inflation pressure. Check your tire pressures

frequently and adjust them to the proper pressure which can be found

on the Safety Compliance Certification Label or Tire Label.

To check the pressure in your tire(s):

1. Make sure the tires are cool, meaning they are not hot from driving

even a mile.

If you are checking tire pressure when the tire is hot, (i.e. driven more

than 1 mile [1.6 km]), never “bleed” or reduce air pressure. The tires are

hot from driving and it is normal for pressures to increase above

recommended cold pressures. A hot tire at or below recommended cold

inflation pressure could be significantly under-inflated.

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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.

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

Note: If you overfill the tire, release air by pressing 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 the Dissimilar spare

tire/wheel information section for description): Store and maintain at

60 psi (4.15 bar). For full-size and dissimilar spare tires (see the

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 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 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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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

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• 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

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.

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Tire rotation

Rotating your tires at the recommended interval (as indicated in the

Scheduled Maintenance chapter) will help your tires wear more evenly,

providing better tire performance and longer tire life.

• Front-wheel drive

(FWD)/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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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

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.

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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 (1¹⁄2) times as well on the government

course as a tire graded 100.

• 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 section.

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Tires, Wheels and Loading -> Tire inflation for Your Ford Fusion 4 Door First Generation (2006-2012)

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