Driving Aids - Ford 2013 F-650 Owner's Manual

168
OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
General Information
• Start the vehicle in motion by using the highest gear speed in the
transmission that lets the engine easily start the load without slipping
the clutch.
• Accelerate smoothly and evenly. Rapid acceleration increases fuel
consumption without increasing engine performance.
• When approaching a hill, press the accelerator smoothly to start the
incline at full power, then shift down as needed to maintain vehicle
speed.
• When going down a hill, or long steep grades, prevent overspeeding
of the engine. Normally, choose the same gear to descend the hill that
you use to ascend the hill. The engine governor has no control over
engine speed when it is being pushed by a loaded vehicle.
• Operate in a gear that permits an engine speed not in excess of the
maximum governed speed or high-idle RPM (no load).
• Always shift to a lower gear at high altitudes to prevent engine smoking.
Backing Up
WARNING: All vehicles have blind spots. To reduce the risk of
severe injury or property damage, never move your vehicle to the
side or rear or change lanes without being sure your way is clear on
both sides and to your rear.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of the possibility of personal
injury while backing up the vehicle, always be sure your vehicle's
path is clear.
Before backing up your vehicle, be sure you can do so safely. If anything
behind the cab limits your view, do not rely on mirrors alone to ensure
that your intended path is clear. If other people are in the vicinity, have
someone standing well behind your vehicle and outside of your intended
path (visible through an exterior mirror) guide you as you back up.
Although OSHA or some governmental regulations may require the use
of an electrical or mechanical back up alarm to warn bystanders, such an
alarm does not guarantee that the intended path is clear. When in doubt,
get out of the vehicle and visually check the intended path is clear. Back
up slowly as to allow others time to move, if necessary.
If an electrical back up alarm is installed, it should be connected to the
back up lamp circuit.
2013 F-650/750 (f67)
Owners Guide gf, 2nd Printing, March 2013
USA (fus)

Driving Aids