Drive cautiously to avoid vehicle
damage from concealed objects
such as rocks and stumps. You
should either know the terrain or
examine maps of the area before
driving. Map out your route before
driving in the area. To maintain
steering and braking control of
your vehicle, you must have all
four wheels on the ground and
they must be rolling, not sliding or
spinning.
Sand
When driving over sand, try to
keep all four wheels on the most
solid area of the trail. Avoid
reducing the tire pressure. Instead,
shift to a lower gear and drive
steadily through the terrain. Apply
the accelerator slowly and avoid
spinning the wheels.
If you must reduce the tire
pressure for whatever reason in
sand, make sure you re-inflate the
tires as soon as possible.
Avoid excessive speed because
vehicle momentum can work
against you and cause the vehicle
to become stuck to the point that
assistance may be required from
another vehicle. Remember, you
may be able to back out the way
you came if you proceed with
caution.
Mud
Be cautious of sudden changes in
vehicle speed or direction when
you are driving in mud. Even 4WD
Driving off-road with 4WD or AWD
10
control or rollover and serious
injury.
Tires can be damaged during
off-road use. For your safety, tires
that are damaged should not be
used for highway driving because
they are more likely to blow out or
fail.
You should carefully observe the
recommended tire inflation
pressure found on the safety
compliance certification label
attached to the left front door lock
facing or door latch post pillar.
Failure to follow tire pressure
recommendations can adversely
affect the way your vehicle
handles. Do not exceed the Ford
recommended pressure even if it is
less than the maximum pressure
allowed for the tire.
Each day before you drive, check
your tires. If one looks lower than
the others, use a tire gauge to
check pressure of all tires, and
adjust if required. Check tire
pressure with a tire gauge every
few weeks (including spare). Safe
operation requires tires that are
neither underinflated nor
overloaded.
Periodically inspect the tire treads
and remove stones, nails, glass or
other objects that may be wedged
in the tread grooves. Check for
holes or cuts that may permit air
leakage from the tire and make
necessary repairs.
Tires, replacement requirements
16
