Ford 2001 Escape Owner's Manual page 144

Driving
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that the
gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic
transmission) or in 1 (First Gear) (manual transmission).
The parking brake is not recommended to stop a moving vehicle.
However, if the normal brakes fail, the parking brake can be used to stop
your vehicle in an emergency. Since the parking brake applies only the
rear brakes, the vehicle's stopping distance will increase greatly and the
handling of your vehicle will be adversely affected.
To release the parking brake, the
brake handle may need to be pulled
up slightly to release pressure
before pushing in the button.
Push the button on the end of the
parking brake handle and push the
handle down as far as possible.
Driving with the parking brake
applied will cause the brakes to
wear out quickly and reduce fuel
economy.
STEERING
Your vehicle is equipped with power steering. Power steering uses energy
from the engine to help steer the vehicle.
To prevent damage to the power steering pump:
Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme right or the extreme left
for more than a few seconds when the engine is running.
Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level
(below the MIN mark on the reservoir).
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.
If the steering wanders or pulls, the condition could be caused by any of
the following:
underinflated tire(s) on any wheel(s)
uneven vehicle loading
high crown in center of road
144