and AWD vehicles can lose traction
in slick mud. As when you are
driving over sand, apply the
accelerator slowly and avoid
spinning your wheels. If the vehicle
does slide, steer in the direction of
the slide until you regain control of
the vehicle.
After driving through mud, clean
off residue stuck to rotating
driveshafts and tires. Excess mud
stuck on tires and rotating
driveshafts causes an imbalance
that could damage vehicle
components.
ªTread Lightlyº is an educational
program designed to increase
public awareness of land-use
regulations and responsibilities in
our nations wilderness areas. Ford
joins the U.S. Forest Service and
the Bureau of Land Management in
encouraging you to help preserve
our national forest and other
public and private lands by
ªtreading lightly.º
Driving off-road with 4WD or AWD
11
components is recommended if the
vehicle is subjected to heavy
off-road usage. Refer to the
ªOwner's Guideº and ªService
Guideº for proper maintenance
instructions and schedules.
HAULING CARGO AND
VEHICLE HANDLING
When using your vehicle to haul
cargo, make sure it is properly
loaded to help ensure safe
handling. Cargo should be evenly
distributed over the floor of the
cargo area, with the heaviest cargo
on the bottom and ahead of the
rear axle.
If you must haul cargo on the roof
of the vehicle, use extra caution
when driving. Cargo placed on the
roof will tend to make your vehicle
top heavy, causing it to lean more
on corners and creating a greater
possibility of vehicle roll over
should you lose control of the
vehicle.
Hauling cargo and vehicle handling
18
