1991 1999 ford explorer chilton User Manual

TIRE ROTATION
Tires must be rotated periodically to equalize wear patterns that vary with a tires position on the vehicle. Tires
will also wear in an uneven way as the front steering/suspension system wears to the point where the
alignment should be reset.
Rotating the tires will ensure maximum life for the tires as a set, so you will not have to discard a tire early
due to wear on only part of the tread. Regular rotation is required to equalize wear.
When rotating unidirectional tires, make sure that...

P-Metric tire coding
Click to enlarge
CAUTION
Radial tires should never be used on only the front axle.
When selecting tires, pay attention to the original size as marked on the tire. Most tires are described using an
industry size code sometimes referred to as P-Metric. This allows the exact identification of the tire
specifications, regardless of the manufacturer. If selecting a different tire size or brand, remember to check the
installed tire for any sign of interference with the body or suspension...

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...

Radial tires have a characteristic sidewall bulge; dont try to measure pressure by looking at the
tire. Use a quality air pressure gauge
Click to enlarge
Common tire wear patterns and causes Click to enlarge
A plate or sticker is normally provided somewhere in the vehicle (door post, hood, tailgate or trunk lid) which
shows the proper pressure for the tires. Never counteract excessive pressure build-up by bleeding off air
pressure (letting some air out). This will cause the tire to run hotter and wear...

tires should be replaced. In fact, many states have laws prohibiting the use of tires with less than this amount
of tread.
Tread wear indicators will appear when the tire is worn
Accurate tread depth indicators are inexpensive and handy
You can check your own tread depth with an inexpensive gauge or by using a Lincoln head penny. Slip the
Lincoln penny (with Lincolns head upside-down) into several tread grooves. If you can see the top of
Lincolns head in 2 adjacent grooves, the tire has less than  1
/16...

A penny works well for a quick check of tread depth
Chilton® Automotive Information Systems. © 2004 Thomson Delmar Learning. HOW TO USE THIS BOOK
102 INFLATION & INSPECTION 

FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS
Fluid Disposal
Used fluids such as engine oil, transmission fluid, antifreeze and brake fluid are hazardous wastes and must be
disposed of properly. Before draining any fluids, consult with the local authorities; in many areas, waste oil,
etc. is being accepted as part of recycling programs. A number of service stations and auto parts stores are
also accepting waste fluids for recycling.
Be sure of the recycling centers policies before draining any fluids, as many will not accept...

Oil viscosities should be chosen from those oils recommended for the lowest anticipated temperatures during
the oil change interval. Due to the need for an oil that embodies both good lubrication at high temperatures
and easy cranking in cold weather, multigrade oils have been developed. Basically, a multigrade oil is thinner
at low temperatures and thicker at high temperatures. For example, a 10W-40 oil (the W stands for winter)
exhibits the characteristics of a 10 weight (SAE 10) oil when the truck is...

Remove the engine oil dipstick to check the level
Wipe the dipstick with a clean, lint-free rag and reinsert it. Be sure to insert it all the way.
2. 
Pull out the dipstick and note the oil level. It should be between the FULL(MAX) mark and the
ADD(MIN) mark.
3. 
The level should read below the FULL but above the ADD mark
If the level is below the lower mark, replace the dipstick and add fresh oil to bring the level within the
proper range. Do not overfill.
4.  HOW TO USE THIS BOOK
106 OIL LEVEL CHECK