Road Test

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Ford RV Cutaway, 2004 Ford Econoline, 2004 Ford E450 Super Duty, and 2004 Ford Cutaway. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Verify the customer concern by performing a road test on a smooth road. If any vibrations are apparent, go to NOISE, VIBRATION & HARSHNESS article.

To maximize tire performance, inspect for signs of improper inflation and uneven wear, which may indicate a need for balancing, rotation, or front suspension alignment.

Correct tire pressure and driving techniques have an important influence on tire life. Heavy cornering, excessively rapid acceleration and unnecessary sharp braking increases tire wear.

Replacement tires must follow the recommended:

tire sizes.
speed rating.
load range.
radial construction type.

Use of any other tire size or type can seriously affect:

ride.
handling.
speedometer/odometer calibration.
vehicle ground clearance.
tire clearance between the body and chassis.
wheel bearing life.
brake cooling.

Wheels need to be replaced when:

bent.
cracked.
dented.
heavily rusted.
leaking.
they have elongated wheel hub bolt holes.
they have excessive lateral or radial runout.

Wheel and tire assemblies are attached by eight integral two-piece swiveling wheel nuts.

It is mandatory to use only the tire sizes recommended on the tire chart attached to the vehicle. Larger or smaller tires can damage the vehicle, affect durability, and require changing the speedometer calibration. Make sure wheel size and offsets match those recommended for the tire in use.

Inspect for signs of uneven wear that may indicate a need for balancing, rotation, front suspension alignment, damaged tie rod, or steering components.
Check tires for:
- cuts.
- stone bruises.
- abrasions.
- blisters.
- embedded objects.
Tread wear indicators are molded into the bottom of the tread grooves. Install a new tire when the indicator bands become visible.