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Basic operating principles, If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement, Driving – FORD 2009 Explorer v.3 User Manual

Page 302

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You should either know the terrain or examine maps of the area before
driving. Map out your route before driving in the area. To maintain
steering and braking control of your vehicle, you must have all four
wheels on the ground and they must be rolling, not sliding or spinning.

Basic operating principles
• Do not use 4WD High or 4WD Low on dry, hard surfaced roads. Doing

so will produce excessive noise, increase tire wear, reduce fuel
economy and may damage drive components. 4WD modes are only
intended for consistently slippery or loose surfaces.

• Drive slower in strong crosswinds which can affect the normal steering

characteristics of your vehicle.

• Be extremely careful when driving on pavement made slippery by

loose sand, water, gravel, snow or ice.

If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement
• If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement, slow down, but

avoid severe brake application, ease the vehicle back onto the
pavement only after reducing your speed. Do not turn the steering
wheel too sharply while returning to the road surface.

• It may be safer to stay on the apron or shoulder of the road and slow

down gradually before returning to the pavement. You may lose
control if you do not slow down or if you turn the steering wheel too
sharply or abruptly.

• It often may be less risky to strike small objects, such as highway

reflectors, with minor damage to your vehicle rather than attempt a
sudden return to the pavement which could cause the vehicle to slide
sideways out of control or roll over. Remember, your safety and the
safety of others should be your primary concern.

WARNING: Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as
utility and four-wheel drive vehicles handle differently than

vehicles with a lower center of gravity. Utility and four-wheel drive
vehicles are not designed for cornering at speeds as high as passenger
cars any more than low-slung sports cars are designed to perform
satisfactorily under off-road conditions. Avoid sharp turns, excessive
speed and abrupt maneuvers in these vehicles. Failure to drive
cautiously could result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle control,
vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.

Driving

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2009 Explorer (exp), Owners Guide (own2002), 3rd Printing, Market: USA
(fus)