FORD 2002 Explorer v.2 - Manual (Page 202)

JOBNAME: T14191ExplOG-US PAGE: 202 SESS: 12 OUTPUT: Tue Aug 26 14:27:29 2014
/restores/ford/ownguide/14191e-exp/og
Descend a hill in the same gear you
would use to climb up the hill to
avoid excessive brake application and
brake overheating. Do not descend in
neutral, disengage overdrive or
manually shift to a lower gear. When
descending a steep hill, avoid sudden
hard braking as you could lose
control. When you brake hard, the
front wheels can’t turn and if they
aren’t turning, you won’t be able to
steer. The front wheels have to be
turning in order to steer the vehicle. Rapid pumping of the brake pedal will
help you slow the vehicle and still maintain steering control.
If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, apply the brakes steadily. Do not
“pump” the brakes.
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 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 a 4WD 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 as well as drive slower than usual and consider using one of
the lower gears. In emergency stopping situations, avoid locking of the
wheels. Use a “squeeze” technique, push on the brake pedal with a
steadily increasing force which allows the wheels to brake yet continue
to roll so that you may steer in the direction you want to travel. If you
lock the wheels, release the brake pedal and repeat the squeeze
technique. If your vehicle is equipped with a Four Wheel Anti-Lock
Brake System (ABS), apply the brake steadily. 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.
Driving
202