Ford Escape: If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement - Four Wheel Drive (4WD) System (if equipped) - Driving - Ford Escape Owner's ManualFord Escape: 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.

utility and four-wheel drive vehicles handle differently than 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.

    Basic operating principles
    • 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, gra ...

    If your vehicle gets stuck
    If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow it may be rocked out by shifting between forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts, in a steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each g ...

    See also:

    Exterior Lamp Controls
    The exterior lamp control is on the turn signal/lane change lever. (Exterior Lamp Control): Operates the exterior lamps. Turn to one of the following positions: (Off): Briefly turn to this pos ...

    Before starting the engine
    Before you start the engine, you should always: 1. Look around the vehicle to be sure there are no flat tires, puddles of oil, water or other indications of possible trouble. 2. After entering ...

    Releasing the parking lock manually
    In the event of an electrical malfunction, it is possible to release the selector lever lock manually to move it out of position P, e.g. if you wish to tow the vehicle away. Do not use any s ...