Driving on snow and ice
Note:Excessive tire slippage can cause transmission 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 theBrakessection 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.
2009 MKS(mks)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
237
refill capacities ........................311
service points ..................281–282
Engine block heater .................214
Engine oil ..................................283
change oil soon warning,
message center .......................283
checking and adding ..............283
dipstick ....................................283
filter, specifications ........285, 310
recommendations ...................285
refill capacities ........................311
specifications ..........................311
Event data recording ....................6
Exhaust fumes ..........................213
F
Fail safe cooling ........................293
Fluid capacities .........................311
Foglamps .....................................41
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles
driving off road .......................233
Fuel ............................................294
calculating fuel
economy ............................80, 300
cap ...........................................296
capacity ...................................311
choosing the right fuel ...........297
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................303
detergent in fuel .....................298
filler funnel .............................298
filling your vehicle with
fuel ...........................294, 296, 300
filter, specifications ........294, 310
improving fuel economy ........300
octane rating ...................298, 313
quality ......................................298
running out of fuel .........256, 298safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................294
Fuses ..........................................241
G
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............296
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................300
Gauges .........................................14
H
Hazard flashers .........................240
Headlamps ...................................40
aiming ........................................46
autolamp system .......................40
bulb specifications ....................48
daytime running lights .............45
flash to pass ..............................45
high beam .................................42
turning on and off ....................40
Heated Seats .....................125–126
Heating
heating and air conditioning
system .................................32, 35
Homelink wireless control
system ..........................................75
Hood ..........................................280
I
Ignition ...............................208, 313
Illuminated visor mirror .............53
Infant seats (see Safety seats)...164
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................305
2009 MKS(mks)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
320
