Ford Contour (2000 year). Manual - part 49

Maintenance and care

194

The tires on your vehicle have all-
weather treads to provide traction
in rain and snow. However, in some
climates, using snow tires and
chains may be necessary. Ford
offers snow chains as a Ford
approved accessory and
recommends use of these or their
equivalents on approved tires. See
your dealer or a qualified service
technician for more information on
tire chains for your vehicle. Follow
these guidelines when using snow
tires and chains:

• Install chains securely, verifying
that the chains do not touch any
wiring, brake lines or fuel lines.

• Install the chains on the front
tires only.

• Do not use tire chains on 205/60
tires and 205/55R16 Z rated tires.
Steering, suspension and body
components may be damaged by
use of chains.

Snow tires must be the same
size and grade as the tires

you currently have on your
vehicle.

Using snow tires and chains

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Maintenance and care

195

Change over from winter to

summer tires as soon as road

conditions allow, this will reduce
fuel consumption and noise in the
vehicle’s interior.

• Drive cautiously. If you hear the
chains rub or bang against the
vehicle, stop and retighten them. If
this does not work, remove the
chains to prevent vehicle damage.

• Local regulations may prohibit or
restrict the use of tire chains.
Investigate the laws and
regulations in your area before
installing chains.

• Avoid overloading your vehicle.

• Do not use tire chains on
temporary spare tires.

• Remove the tire chains when
they are no longer needed. Do not
use chains on dry roads.

• The suspension insulation and
bumpers will help prevent vehicle
damage. Do not remove these
components from the vehicle when
using snow tires and chains.

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Maintenance and care

196

Automotive fuels can cause
serious injury or death if

misused or mishandled.

IMPORTANT FUEL
INFORMATON

Important safety precautions

Do not overfill the fuel tank.
The pressure in an overfilled

tank may cause leakage and lead
to fuel spray and fire.

If you do not use the proper
fuel cap, the pressure in the

fuel tank can damage the fuel
system or cause it to work
improperly in a collision.

The fuel system may be
under pressure. If the fuel

cap is venting vapor or if you hear
a hissing sound, wait until it stops
before completely removing the
cap.

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Maintenance and care

197

Observe the following guidelines
when handling automotive fuel:

• Extinguish all smoking materials
and any open flames before fueling
your vehicle.

• Always turn off the vehicle before
fueling.

• Make sure the fuel cap is
correctly fitted after fueling. Failure
to do so may cause the on board
diagnostic system to illuminate the
check engine light.

• Automotive fuels can be harmful
or fatal if swallowed. If fuel is
swallowed, call a physician
immediately, even if no symptoms
are immediately apparent. The
toxic effects of fuel may not be
visible for hours.

• Fuels can also be harmful if
absorbed through the skin. If fuel is
splashed on the skin, promptly
remove contaminated clothing and
wash skin thoroughly with soap and
water.

• If fuel is splashed in the eyes,
remove contact lenses (if worn),
flush with water for 15 minutes and
seek medical attention.

• Be particularly careful if you are
taking “Antabuse” or other forms of
disulfiram for the treatment of
alcoholism. Breathing gasoline
vapors or skin contact could cause
an adverse reaction. Consult a
physician immediately.

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