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Ford Escape Mazda Tribute Accessories

235 messages,  Last post on Mar 31, 2013 at 7:52 PM

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What is this discussion about? Mazda Tribute, Ford Escape, SUV

    

Messages Page 20 of 24

#186 of 235 Re: trailer hitch installation for a 2004 ford escape [ddmayer86] by mecheng1

Sep 27, 2006 (12:35 pm)

Replying to: ddmayer86 (Sep 16, 2006 8:11 pm)
Just added my "Hidden Hitch" last weekend and can confirm that what the instructions mean by "access hole" is actually the far aft end of the "U" shaped beam (tube) -- the same beam that the hitch is attaching to.
I attached to six holes by threading the empty fish wires (provided) "backwards" through the desired mounting holes back to the beam opening. Then, after placing the rect steel "washers" and the bolts onto the wire, I pulled both through to the desired hole and with a little jiggling got them into place. It helped to pull through the two vertical bolts - one on each side - and then loosely install the hitch, before pulling the 4 horizontal bolts - two on each side - through to the holes with the hitch already in place.
 
This was my first experience with a hitch. Looks like this is all "business as usual" for those who have installed more than one hitch.
 
The Hidden Hitch looks good and is out of the way when not in use. A good design that takes into account the modification needed to avoid the HV battery Air/Conditioning refrigerant lines unique to the FEH.
 
 

#187 of 235 Head lights modifications by skywalker3

Nov 20, 2006 (9:16 am)

I like to know if its possible to upgrade my 2002 escape head lights with the new 2006 headlights. Any advice or instruction???

#188 of 235 Tire Size by chimpsnest

Nov 21, 2006 (12:16 pm)

Hello
 
After 86K miles on my OEM tires (p235/70R/16) I replaced them w/P245/70R/16 Michelin Cross Terrain SUV.
 
2 Q's - it seems my gas mileage has been affected (from avg of 20-21 down to 18 mpg) - would it affect it THAT much?
 
and - 2, what about my odometer/spedometer, should I look to have those calibrated to the new tire size (is that even possible?).
 
I'm am coming up on my 90K tune up, so I am also thinking that a new fuel filter, etc., may also help bring my mileage back up ??
 
Thanks. I'm just not sure if I did a VERY bad thing by putting those tires on my car.

#189 of 235 Re: Tire Size [chimpsnest] by tveilleux

Nov 22, 2006 (8:52 am)

Replying to: chimpsnest (Nov 21, 2006 12:16 pm)
The size increase does 2 things. One is to increase the diameter by about 4%. This would impact your speedometer reading by 4%. 4% of 20 mpg is 0.8 mpg. Thus you should expect to see a 0.8 mpg decrease in mileage if you use the odemeter to calculate you gas mileage. The other impact the increased size has is to perhaps increase the rolling resistance since the tire is wider and offers more rubber to the road. The difference is also about 4%. I am not going to say that the rolling resistance is directly proportional to the width, but there is a relationship that causes a measurable increase. Additionally, the Michelins have a good traction rating according to TireRack.com that could result in more rolling resistance than the OEM tires.

#190 of 235 Re: Tire Size [chimpsnest] by mecheng1

Nov 22, 2006 (8:52 am)

Replying to: chimpsnest (Nov 21, 2006 12:16 pm)
The OEM Continential ContraTrac EcoPlus are formulated with a stiff rubber compound so they can be designated as Low Rolling Resistance (LRR) tires...and the CrossTerrains are not. Many FEH owners run 40psi or more in the EcoPlus for improved FE. The EcoPlus are not widely available (just try to get one from someone besides the Ford dealer)
 
From what I have read from others on these FEH forums, I would say it is possible that you see a 10% FE hit from the new tires (2% for the circumference change alone.) Did you happen to switch tires just as the weather changed? - in the past did you notice a dip in FE during colder months?
 
There should be an adjustment procedure for tire circumference changes for the trip and FE computers (in the owners manual?) - but from my experience the speedometer is so inaccurate, I wouldn't bother with a formal recalibration. (just my griping about the poor quality Ford put into the gauges)
 
 

#191 of 235 Re: Tire Size [tveilleux] by mschmal

Nov 22, 2006 (9:05 am)

Replying to: tveilleux (Nov 22, 2006 8:52 am)
This post is wrong.
 
when you went to 245/70 from 235/70 you didn't change the diameter of your tire at all. The first number is the width of the tire in mm. not the diamter. the second number is the diameter number and is a ratio.
 
Mark.

#192 of 235 Re: Tire Size [mschmal] by steve_ HOST

Nov 22, 2006 (9:11 am)

Replying to: mschmal (Nov 22, 2006 9:05 am)
When I went to one of the tire calculator sites, it showed a 1.9% difference in speedo reading between the 235/70/16 and 245/70/16 sizes (the 245/70 one is 1.9% slow).
 
Here's a couple of calculators:
 
Miata.net
 
1010tires
 
I keep hitting the wrong buttons trying to compare the two sizes, but I think the ~4% difference is between a 16 and 17" tire.

#193 of 235 Reading a tire by mschmal

Nov 22, 2006 (9:12 am)


 
P
The "P" indicates the tire is for passenger vehicles.
 
Next number
This three-digit number gives the width in millimeters of the tire from sidewall edge to sidewall edge. In general, the larger the number, the wider the tire.
 
Next number
This two-digit number, known as the aspect ratio, gives the tire's ratio of height to width. Numbers of 70 or lower indicate a short sidewall for improved steering response and better overall handling on dry pavement.
 
R
The "R" stands for radial. Radial ply construction of tires has been the industry standard for the past 20 years.
 
Next number
This two-digit number is 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.
 
Next number
This two- or three-digit number is the tire's load index. It is a measurement of how much weight each tire can support. You may find this information in your owner's manual. If not, contact a local tire dealer. Note: You may not find this information on all tires because it is not required by law.
 
M+S
The "M+S" or "M/S" indicates that the tire has some mud and snow capability. Most radial tires have these markings; hence, they have some mud and snow capability.
 
Speed Rating
The speed rating denotes the speed at which a tire is designed to be driven for extended periods of time. The ratings range from 99 miles per hour (mph) to 186 mph. These ratings are listed below. Note: You may not find this information on all tires because it is not required by law.
 
Letter Rating Speed Rating
Q 99 mph
R 106 mph
S 112 mph
T 118 mph
U 124 mph
H 130 mph
V 149 mph
W 168* mph
Y 186* mph
 
* For tires with a maximum speed capability over 149 mph, tire manufacturers sometimes use the letters ZR. For those with a maximum speed capability over 186 mph, tire manufacturers always use the letters ZR.
 
U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number
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 where it was manufactured, and the last four numbers represent the week and year the tire was built. For example, the numbers 3197 means the 31st week of 1997. The other numbers are marketing codes used at the manufacturer's discretion. This information is used to contact consumers if a tire defect requires a recall.
 
Tire Ply Composition and Materials Used
The number of plies indicates the number of layers of rubber-coated fabric in the tire. In general, the greater the number of plies, the more weight a tire can support. Tire manufacturers also must indicate the materials in the tire, which include steel, nylon, polyester, and others.
 
Maximum Load Rating
This number indicates the maximum load in kilograms and pounds that can be carried by the tire.
 
Maximum Permissible Inflation Pressure
This number is the greatest amount of air pressure that should ever be put in the tire under normal driving conditions.
 
  
 
UTQGS Information
 
Treadwear Number
This number indicates the tire's wear rate. The higher the treadwear number is, the longer it should take for the tread to wear down. For example, a tire graded 400 should last twice as long as a tire graded 200.
 
Traction Letter
This letter indicates a tire's ability to stop on wet pavement. A higher graded tire should allow you to stop your car on wet roads in a shorter distance than a tire with a lower grade. Traction is graded from highest to lowest as "AA","A", "B", and "C".
 
Temperature Letter
This letter indicates a tire's resistance to heat. The temperature grade is for a tire that is inflated properly and not overloaded. Excessive speed, underinflation or excessive loading, either separately or in combination, can cause heat build-up and possible tire failure. From highest to lowest, a tire's resistance to heat is graded as "A", "B", or "C".

#194 of 235 More info for light trucks by mschmal

Nov 22, 2006 (9:14 am)


 
Additional Information on Light Truck Tires
 
Please refer to diagram below.
 
d
 
Tires for light trucks have other markings besides those found on the sidewalls of passenger tires.
 
LT
The "LT" indicates the tire is for light trucks.
 
Max. Load Dual kg(lbs) at kPa(psi) Cold
This information indicates the maximum load and tire pressure when the tire is used as a dual, that is, when four tires are put on each rear axle (a total of six or more tires on the vehicle).
 
Max. Load Single kg(lbs) at kPa(psi) Cold
This information indicates the maximum load and tire pressure when the tire is used as a single.
 
Load Range
This information identifies the tire's load-carrying capabilities and its inflation limits.
 
Snow Tires
In some heavy snow areas, local governments may require true snow tires, those with very deeply cut tread. These tires should only be used in pairs or placed on all four wheels. Make sure you purchase snow tires that are the same size and construction type as the other tires on your vehicle.
 
NHTSA's tire safety page: Tire Safety, Brochure (DOT HS 809 361 October 2001)

#195 of 235 Re: Tire Size [mschmal] by mecheng1

Nov 22, 2006 (9:45 am)

Replying to: mschmal (Nov 22, 2006 9:05 am)
"the second number is the diameter number and is a ratio."
 
The second number is the sidewall height as a percentage of the width. Therefore the 245/70-16 tire/wheel total diameter = 29.50" and the 235/70-16 diameter = 28.95" The difference is 1.9% which I rounded to 2%
 
A 245/65-16 tire, if available, would be a negligible change as far as diameter/circumference.

Messages Page 20 of 24

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