Ford Escape 2013 Owner's Manual page 155

Note: Excessive tire slippage can cause
transmission damage.
4WD vehicles have advantages over 2WD
vehicles in snow and ice but can skid like
any other vehicle. Should you start to slide
while driving on snowy or icy roads, turn
the steering wheel in the direction of the
slide until you regain control.
Avoid sudden applications of power and
quick changes of direction on snow and
ice. Apply the accelerator slowly and
steadily when starting from a full stop.
Avoid sudden braking as well. Although an
4WD vehicle may accelerate better than
a two-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice,
it won't stop any faster, because as in other
vehicles, braking occurs at all four wheels.
Do not become overconfident as to road
conditions.
Make sure you allow sufficient distance
between you and other vehicles for
stopping. Drive slower than usual and
consider using one of the lower gears. In
emergency stopping situations, apply the
brake steadily. Since your vehicle is
equipped with a four wheel anti-lock brake
system (ABS), do not "pump" the brakes.
Refer to the Brakes section of this chapter
for additional information on the operation
of the anti-lock brake system.
Maintenance and modifications
The suspension and steering systems on
your vehicle have been designed and
tested to provide predictable performance
whether loaded or empty and durable load
carrying capability. For this reason, Ford
Motor Company strongly recommends that
you do not make modifications such as
adding or removing parts (such as lift kits
or stabilizer bars) or by using replacement
parts not equivalent to the original factory
equipment.
Four-Wheel Drive
(If Equipped)
Any modifications to a vehicle that raise
the center of gravity can make it more likely
the vehicle will rollover as a result of a loss
of control. Ford Motor Company
recommends that caution be used with
any vehicle equipped with a high load or
device (such as ladder or luggage racks).
Failure to maintain your vehicle properly
may void the warranty, increase your repair
cost, reduce vehicle performance and
operational capabilities and adversely
affect driver and passenger safety.
Frequent inspection of vehicle chassis
components is recommended if the vehicle
is subjected to off-highway usage.
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