Ford Escape: Maintenance and modifications - Four Wheel Drive (4WD) System (if equipped) - Driving - Ford Escape Owner's ManualFord Escape: 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 roll over 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 racks or pickup box cover).

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-road usage.

    Driving on snow and ice
    4WD 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 d ...

    Driving through water
    If driving through deep or standing water is unavoidable, proceed very slowly. Never drive through water that is higher than the bottom of the wheel rims (for cars) or the bottom of the hubs (for ...

    See also:

    Lap/Shoulder Belts
    All seating positions in your vehicle are equipped with lap/shoulder belts. The belt webbing retractor is designed to lock during very sudden stops or accidents. This feature allows the shoulder ...

    Shifting Procedures
    NOTE: If any of the requirements to select a new transfer case position have not been met, the transfer case will not shift, the indicator light for the previous position will remain on, and the ...

    Low battery voltage
    If the battery voltage is too low, the parking brake cannot be applied or released. Connect an auxiliary battery if the battery voltage is too low, see page 114. ...