snow chains FORD ESCAPE 2002 1.G Owners Manual

Avoid sudden braking as well. Although a 4x4 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 as well as drive slower than usual and consider using one of
the lower gears. In emergency stopping situations, avoid locking of the
wheels. Use a ªsqueezeº technique, push on the brake pedal with a
steadily increasing force which allows the wheels to brake yet continue
to roll so that you may steer in the direction you want to travel. If you
lock the wheels, release the brake pedal and repeat the squeeze
technique. If your vehicle is equipped with a Four Wheel Anti-Lock
Brake System (ABS), apply the brake steadily. Do not ªpumpº the
brakes. Refer to theBrakessection of this chapter for additional
information on the operation of the anti-lock brake system.
Never drive with chains on the front tires of 4x4 vehicles without also
putting them on the rear tires. This could cause the rear to slide and
swing around during braking.
Tires, Replacement Requirements
4x4 vehicles are equipped with tires designed to provide for safe ride
and handling capability.
Do not use a size and type of tire and wheel other than that originally
provided by Ford because it can affect the safety and performance of
your vehicle, which could lead to loss of vehicle control or roll over and
serious injury. Make sure all tires and wheels on the vehicle are of the
same size, type, tread design, brand and load-carrying capacity. If you
have questions regarding tire replacement, see an authorized Ford or
Lincoln/Mercury dealer.
If you nevertheless decide to equip your 4x4 for off-road use with tires
larger than what Ford recommends, you should not use these tires for
highway driving.
If you use any tire/wheel combination not recommended by Ford, it may
adversely affect vehicle handling and could cause steering, suspension,
axle or transfer case failure.
Do not useºaftermarket lift kitsº or other suspension modifications,
whether or not they are used with larger tires and wheels.
Driving
176

Make sure that all replacement tires are of the same size, type,
load-carrying capacity and tread design (e.g., ªAll Terrainº,
ªTouringº, etc.), as originally offered by Ford.
Do not replace your tires with ªhigh performanceº tires or larger
size tires.
Failure to follow these precautions may adversely affect the
handling of the vehicle and make it easier for the driver to lose
control and roll over.
Tires that are larger or smaller than your vehicle's original tires may also
affect the accuracy of your speedometer.
USING SNOW TIRES AND TRACTION DEVICES
Snow tires must be the same size and grade as the tires you
currently have on your vehicle.
The tires on your vehicle have all-weather treads to provide traction in
rain and snow. However, in some climates, using snow tires or traction
devices may be necessary.
Follow these guidelines when using snow tires and traction devices:
²SAE class ªSº cable should be used only on front axle for P235/70R16
tires. With P225/70R15 and P215/70R16 tires, SAE class ªSº cables can
be used on both the front and rear wheels.
²Install cables or chains securely, verifying that the cables or chains do
not touch any wiring, brake lines or fuel lines.
²Drive cautiously. If you hear the cables or chains rub or bang against
the vehicle, stop and retighten them. If this does not work, remove the
cables or chains to prevent vehicle damage.
²Avoid overloading your vehicle.
²Remove the cables or chains when they are no longer needed.
²Do not use cables or chains on dry roads.
²Do not exceed 48 km/h (30 mph) with tire cables or chains on your
vehicle.
Maintenance and Specifications
261

S
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ....................15, 125±129
Safety defects, reporting ..........217
Safety restraints ................125±130
belt minder .............................132
cleaning the safety
belts .................................135, 224
extension assembly ................131
for adults .........................126±129
for children .....................144±145
lap belt ....................................130
warning light and
chime ...................12, 14, 131±132
Safety seats for children ..145±146
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) .............125
Seats ..........................................113
child safety seats ............145±146
cleaning ...................................224
SecuriLock passive
anti-theft system ...............107±109
Servicing your vehicle ..............226
Snowplowing .................................7
Spare tire (see Changing
the Tire) ....................................195
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................262, 267
Special notice
ambulance conversions ..............7
utility-type vehicles ....................6
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................265, 267
Speed control ..............................86
Speedometer ...............................16Starting your
vehicle ........................154±155, 157
jump starting ..........................200
Steering wheel
controls ......................................86
T
Tachometer .................................17
Temperature control
(see Climate control) .................62
Tires ...........................195, 258±259
changing ..........................195±196
checking the pressure ............259
replacing ..................................260
rotating ....................................260
snow tires and chains ............261
tire grades ...............................259
treadwear ................................258
Towing .......................................181
recreational towing .................185
trailer towing ..........................181
wrecker ....................................206
Transaxle
automatic operation ...............163
fluid, checking and adding
(manual) .................................256
Transmission
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................254
fluid, refill capacities ..............262
lubricant specifications ..265, 267
Turn signal ............................13, 71
V
Vehicle dimensions ...................267
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................269
Index
279