Driving on snow and ice
Note:Excessive tire slippage can cause transaxle damage.
AWD vehicles have advantages over 2WD vehicles in snow and ice but
can skid like any other vehicle.
Should you start to slide while driving on snowy or icy roads, turn the
steering wheel in the direction of the slide until you regain control.
Avoid sudden applications of power and quick changes of direction on
snow and ice. Apply the accelerator slowly and steadily when starting
from a full stop.
Avoid sudden braking as well. Although an AWD 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. Drive slower than usual and consider using one of the lower
gears. In emergency stopping situations, apply the brake steadily. Since
your vehicle is equipped with a four wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS),
do not “pump” the brakes. Refer to the Brakes section of this chapter for
additional information on the operation of the anti-lock brake system.
Maintenance and Modifications
The suspension and steering systems on your vehicle have been designed
and tested to provide predictable performance whether loaded or empty
and durable load carrying capability. For this reason, Ford Motor
Company strongly recommends that you do not make modifications such
as adding or removing parts (such as lift kits or stabilizer bars) or by
using replacement parts not equivalent to the original factory equipment.
Any modifications to a vehicle that raise the center of gravity can make
it more likely the vehicle will rollover as a result of a loss of control.
Ford Motor Company recommends that caution be used with any vehicle
equipped with a high load or device (such as ladder or luggage racks).
Failure to maintain your vehicle properly may void the warranty, increase
your repair cost, reduce vehicle performance and operational capabilities
and adversely affect driver and passenger safety. Frequent inspection of
vehicle chassis components is recommended if the vehicle is subjected to
heavy off-highway usage.
2005 Montego(mgo)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA_English(fus)
Driving
180
washing ....................................207
waxing .....................................207
wheels ......................................208
wiper blades ............................209
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ......26, 28
Clock ............................................43
Clock adjust
6-CD in dash .............................20
Compass, electronic
set zone adjustment .................59
Console ........................................68
overhead ....................................43
Controls
power seat .................................90
steering column ........................51
Coolant
checking and adding ..............222
refill capacities ................227, 242
specifications ..................245, 247
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................48
Cupholder(s) ...............................93
Customer Assistance ................182
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................211
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................204
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................205
Getting roadside assistance ...182
Getting the service
you need .................................198
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................206
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................201
Utilizing the Mediation/
Arbitration Program ...............204D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................33
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................239
engine oil .................................216
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........245
Driving under special
conditions ..........................176, 179
sand .........................................177
snow and ice ...........................180
through water .................178, 181
E
Electronic message center .........57
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................191
Emission control system ..........236
Engine ........................................247
cleaning ...................................208
coolant .....................................222
idle speed control ...................220
lubrication
specifications ..................245, 247
refill capacities ........................242
service points ..........................215
starting after a collision .........183
Engine block heater .................165
Engine oil ..................................216
change oil soon warning,
message center .......................216
checking and adding ..............216
dipstick ....................................216
filter, specifications ........219, 241
recommendations ...................219
refill capacities ........................242
2005 Montego(mgo)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA_English(fus)
Index
254
