2022 FORD ESCAPE tires

Certain states require functioning trailer
brakes for trailers over a specified weight.
Be sure to check state regulations for this
specified weight.
Ford Motor Company recommends
separate functioning brake systems for
trailers weighing more than 1,500 lb
(680 kg) when loaded.
TOWING A TRAILER
LIMITATIONS
The vehicle's load capacity
designation is by weight, not by
volume, so you cannot necessarily
use all available space when
loading a vehicle or trailer.
Note:Your vehicle could have
reduced performance when
operating at high altitudes and
when heavily loaded or towing a
trailer. When driving at elevation,
to match driving performance as
perceived at sea level, reduce gross
vehicle weight and gross
combination weight by 2% per
1,000 ft (300 m) elevation.
LOADING YOUR TRAILER
To help minimize how trailer
movement affects your vehicle
when driving:
• Load the heaviest items closest to the trailer floor.
• Load the heaviest items centered between the left and
right side trailer tires. • Load the heaviest items above
the trailer axles or just slightly
forward toward the trailer
tongue. Do not allow the final
trailer tongue weight to go
above or below 10-15% of the
loaded trailer weight. The
trailer tongue weight should
never exceed 10% of the
maximum towing capacity.
• Select a ball mount with the correct rise or drop. When both
the loaded vehicle and trailer
are connected, the trailer frame
should be level, or slightly
angled down toward your
vehicle, when viewed from the
side.
TRAILER TOWING HINTS
Towing a trailer places an extra load on
your vehicle's engine, transmission, axle,
brakes, tires and suspension. Periodically
inspect these components during and after
any towing operation.
When driving with a trailer or payload, a
slight takeoff vibration or shudder may be
present due to the increased payload
weight.
Your vehicle may have a temporary or
conventional spare tire. A temporary spare
tire is different in diameter or width,
tread-type, or is from a different
manufacturer than the road tires on your
vehicle. Consult information on the tire
label or Safety Compliance label for
limitations when using.
299
Towing a Trailer

When towing a trailer:
• Obey country specific regulations fortowing a trailer.
• Do not drive faster than 70 mph (113 km/h) during the first 500 mi
(800 km).
• Do not make full-throttle starts.
• Check your hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts thoroughly
after you have traveled 50 mi (80 km).
• When stopped in congested or heavy traffic during hot weather, place the
transmission in park (P) to aid engine
and transmission cooling and to help
A/C performance.
• Turn off the speed control with heavy loads or in hilly terrain. The speed
control may turn off when you are
towing on long, steep slopes.
• Shift to a lower gear when driving down a long or steep hill. Do not continuously
apply the brakes, as they may overheat
and become less effective.
• If your transmission has Grade Assist or Tow/Haul, use this feature when
towing. This provides engine braking
and helps eliminate excessive
transmission shifting for optimum fuel
economy and transmission cooling.
• Your vehicle has AdvanceTrac with roll stability control. When towing a trailer,
additional loads could cause the
AdvanceTrac system to engage during
cornering maneuvers. Reduce cornering
speeds to make sure that you can
maintain control of the vehicle and
trailer if the AdvanceTrac system
engages. • Allow more distance for stopping with
a trailer attached. Anticipate stops and
gradually brake.
• Avoid parking on a slope. However, if you must park on a slope, turn the
steering wheel to point your vehicle
tires away from traffic flow, set the
parking brake, place the transmission
in park (P) and place wheel chocks in
front and back of the trailer wheels.
Note: Chocks are not included with your
vehicle.
LAUNCHING OR RETRIEVING
A BOAT OR PERSONAL
WATERCRAFT
When backing down a ramp during boat
launching or retrieval:
• Do not allow the static water level to rise above the bottom edge of the rear
bumper.
• Do not allow waves to break higher than 6 in (15 cm) above the bottom
edge of the rear bumper.
Exceeding 6 in (15 cm) could allow water
to enter vehicle components, causing
internal damage to the components and
affecting driveability, emissions and
reliability.
Note: Replace the rear axle lubricant
anytime the rear axle has been submerged
in water.
Note: Disconnect the trailer wiring
connector before backing the trailer into the
water.
Note: Reconnect the trailer wiring
connector after removing the trailer from
the water.
300
Towing a Trailer

COLD WEATHER
PRECAUTIONS
The functional operation of some
components and systems can be affected
at temperatures below approximately
-13°F (-25°C).
BREAKING-IN
You need to break in new tires for
approximately 300 mi (480 km). During
this time, your vehicle may exhibit some
unusual driving characteristics.
DRIVING ECONOMICALLY
The following helps to improve fuel
consumption:
• Drive smoothly, accelerate gently andanticipate the road ahead to avoid
heavy braking.
• Regularly check your tire pressures and make sure that they are inflated to the
correct pressure.
• Follow the recommended maintenance schedule and carry out the
recommended checks.
• Plan your journey and check the traffic before you set off. It is more efficient
to combine errands into a single trip
whenever possible.
• Avoid idling the engine in cold weather or for extended periods. Start the
engine only when you are ready to set
off.
• Do not carry unnecessary weight in your vehicle as extra weight wastes fuel.
• Do not add unnecessary accessories to the exterior of your vehicle, for
example running boards. If you use a
roof rack, remember to fold it down or
remove it when not in use. • Do not shift into neutral when you are
braking or when your vehicle is slowing
down.
• Shut all windows when driving at high speeds.
• Switch off all electric systems when not in use, for example air conditioning.
Make sure that you unplug any
accessories from the auxiliary power
points when not in use.
DRIVING IN SPECIAL
CONDITIONS
EMERGENCY MANEUVERS
In an unavoidable emergency where you
must make a sudden sharp maneuver, turn
the steering wheel only as rapidly and as
far as required to avoid the emergency.
Apply smooth pressure to the accelerator
pedal or brake pedal as needed. Avoid
abrupt steering, acceleration and braking
changes. Abrupt changes could increase
the risk of vehicle roll over, loss of vehicle
control and personal injury. If possible, use
any available road surfaces to bring your
vehicle under control.
DRIVING THROUGH MUD AND
WATER
Mud
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle
speed or direction when you are driving in
mud. Even all-wheel drive and four-wheel
drive vehicles can lose traction in mud. If
your vehicle slides, steer in the direction of
the slide until you regain control of your
vehicle. After driving through mud, clean
off residue stuck to rotating driveshafts
and tires. Excess residue can cause an
imbalance that could damage drive
components.
304
Driving Hints

Note:If your vehicle gets stuck in mud, it
could be rocked out by shifting between
forward and reverse gears, stopping
between shifts in a steady pattern. Press
lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
Note: Do not rock your vehicle if the engine
is not at normal operating temperature, as
damage to the transmission could occur.
Note: Do not rock your vehicle for more
than a minute, as damage to the
transmission and tires could occur or the
engine could overheat.
Wa t e r
If you must drive though deep water, drive
slowly. The water could limit traction or
brake capability. See Driving Through
Shallow Water (page 306).
When driving though water, determine the
depth and avoid water higher than the
center of the wheel.
Once through water, always try the brakes.
Wet brakes do not stop your vehicle as
quickly as dry brakes. Apply light pressure
to the brake pedal while slowly moving the
vehicle to dry the brakes.
Note: Driving through deep water could
cause damage to the transmission. If the
front or rear axle is submerged in water,
have the axle lubricant and power transfer
unit lubricant checked and changed if
necessary.
DRIVING ON HILLY OR SLOPING
TERRAIN
WARNING: Extreme care should
be used when steering the vehicle in
reverse down a slope so as not to cause
the vehicle to swerve out of control. Although natural obstacles could make it
necessary to travel diagonally up or down
a hill or steep incline, you should try to drive
straight up or straight down.
Note:
Avoid turning on steep slopes or hills.
A danger lies in losing traction, slipping
sideways and possible vehicle roll over.
Whenever driving on a hill, determine
beforehand the route you can use. Do not
drive over the crest of a hill without seeing
what conditions are on the other side. Do
not drive in reverse over a hill without the
aid of an observer.
Apply just enough power to the wheels to
climb the hill. Too much power causes the
tires to slip, spin or lose traction, and you
could lose control of your vehicle. When
descending a steep hill, do not descend
the hill in neutral. Avoid sudden hard
braking to keep the front wheels rolling and
to maintain your vehicle's steering.
Note: Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes,
apply the brakes steadily. Do not pump the
brakes.
Note: If your vehicle gets stuck driving on
hilly or sloping terrain, it could be rocked out
by shifting between forward and reverse
gears, stopping between shifts in a steady
pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in
each gear.
Note: Do not rock your vehicle if the engine
is not at normal operating temperature, as
damage to the transmission could occur.
Note: Do not rock your vehicle for more
than a minute, as damage to the
transmission and tires could occur or the
engine could overheat.
305
Driving Hints

DRIVING IN SAND
When driving over sand, try to keep all four
wheels on the most solid area of the trail.
Steadily drive through the terrain. Apply
the accelerator slowly and avoid excessive
wheel slip. Do not drive your vehicle in
deep sand for an extended period of time.
This could overheat the system. A
message appears in the instrument cluster
display.
Note:If your vehicle gets stuck driving on
hilly or sloping terrain, it could be rocked out
by shifting between forward and reverse
gears, stopping between shifts in a steady
pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in
each gear.
Note: Do not rock your vehicle if the engine
is not at normal operating temperature, as
damage to the transmission could occur.
Note: Do not rock your vehicle for more
than a minute, as damage to the
transmission and tires could occur or the
engine could overheat
DRIVING THROUGH SHALLOW
WATER
WARNING: Do not attempt to
cross a deep or flowing body of water.
Failure to follow this instruction could
result in the loss of control of your
vehicle, personal injury or death.
Note: Driving through standing water can
cause vehicle damage.
Note: Engine damage can occur if water
enters the air filter.
Before driving through standing water,
check the depth. Never drive through water
that is higher than the bottom of the front
rocker area of your vehicle.
66E266447
When driving through standing water, drive
very slowly and do not stop your vehicle.
Your brake performance and traction could
be limited. After driving through water and
as soon as it is safe to do so:
• Lightly press the brake pedal to dry the brakes and to check that they work.
• Turn the steering wheel to check that the steering power assist works.
Check the function of the following:
• Horn
• Exterior lights
FLOOR MATS
WARNING: Use a floor mat
designed to fit the footwell of your
vehicle that does not obstruct the pedal
area. Failure to follow this instruction
could result in the loss of control of your
vehicle, personal injury or death.
WARNING: Pedals that cannot
move freely can cause loss of vehicle
control and increase the risk of serious
personal injury.
306
Driving Hints

Note:If you intend on parking your vehicle
for an extended period after cleaning the
wheels with a wheel cleaner, drive your
vehicle for a few minutes before doing so to
reduce the risk of increased corrosion of the
brake discs, brake pads and linings.
Tires
• Maintain recommended air pressure.
Note: If you intend on parking your vehicle
for an extended period after cleaning the
wheels with a wheel cleaner, drive your
vehicle for a few minutes before doing so.
This reduces the risk of corrosion of the
brake discs, brake pads and linings.
REMOVING YOUR VEHICLE
FROM STORAGE
When your vehicle is ready to come out of
storage, do the following:
• We recommend that you change the engine oil before you use your vehicle
again.
• Wash your vehicle to remove any dirt or grease film build-up on window
surfaces.
• Check windshield wipers for any deterioration.
• Check under the hood for any foreign material that may have collected
during storage such as mice or squirrel
nests.
• Check the exhaust for any foreign material that may have collected
during storage.
• Check tire pressures and set tire inflation per the Tire Label.
• Check brake pedal operation. Drive your vehicle 15 ft (4.5 m) back and
forth to remove rust build-up. • Check fluid levels (including coolant,
oil and gas) to make sure there are no
leaks, and fluids are at recommended
levels.
• If you remove the battery, clean the battery cable ends and check for
damage.
Contact an authorized dealer if you have
any concerns or issues.
356
Storing Your Vehicle

LOCATING THE TIRE LABEL
The tire label or safety
certification label is on the driver
side B-pillar or the edge of the
driver door. It contains information
on the recommended front and
rear tire inflation pressures. See
Locating the Safety
Compliance Certification
Labels (page 288).
DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM
TIRE QUALITY GRADES
E142542
Tire Quality Grades apply to new
pneumatic passenger car tires.
The Quality grades can be found
where applicable on the tire
sidewall between tread shoulder
and maximum section width. For
example: Treadwear 200
Traction AA Temperature A .
These Tire Quality Grades are
determined by standards that the
United States Department of
Transportation has set. Tire Quality Grades apply to new
pneumatic passenger car tires.
They do not apply to deep tread,
winter-type snow tires,
space-saver or temporary use
spare tires, light truck or LT type
tires, tires with nominal rim
diameters of 10 to 12 inches or
limited production tires as defined
in Title 49 Code of Federal
Regulations Part 575.104 (c)(2).
U.S. Department of
Transportation Tire quality
grades:
The U.S. Department of
Transportation requires us to give
you the following information
about tire grades exactly as the
government has written it.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a
comparative rating based on the
wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a
specified government test course.
For example, a tire graded 150
would wear 1½ times as well on
the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative
performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their
use, however, and may depart
significantly from the norm due to
variations in driving habits, service
practices, and differences in road
characteristics and climate.
357
Wheel and Tire Information

Traction AA A B C
WARNING: The traction
grade assigned to this tire is
based on straight-ahead braking
traction tests, and does not
include acceleration, cornering,
hydroplaning or peak traction
characteristics.
The traction grades, from highest
to lowest are AA, A, B, and C. The
grades represent the tire’s ability
to stop on wet pavement as
measured under controlled
conditions on specified
government test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. A tire
marked C may have poor traction
performance.
Temperature A B C
WARNING: The
temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is
properly inflated and not
overloaded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive
loading, either separately or in
combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure.
The temperature grades are A
(the highest), B and C,
representing the tire’s resistance
to the generation of heat and its
ability to dissipate heat when
tested under controlled conditions
on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained high
temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate
and reduce tire life, and excessive
temperature can lead to sudden
tire failure. The grade C
corresponds to a level of
performance which all passenger
car tires must meet under the
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standard No. 139. Grades B and A
represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory
test wheel than the minimum
required by law.
INFORMATION ON THE TIRE
SIDEWALL
Both United States and Canada
Federal regulations require tire
manufacturers to place
standardized information on the
sidewall of all tires. This
information identifies and
describes the fundamental
characteristics of the tire and also
provides a U.S. DOT Tire
Identification Number for safety
standard certification and in case
of a recall.
358
Wheel and Tire Information