Ford Escape: Preparing to drive - Driving - Ford Escape Owner's ManualFord Escape: Preparing to drive

rate than other types of vehicles. WARNING: Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles.

significantly more likely to die than a person wearing a seat belt. WARNING: In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely to die than a person wearing a seat belt.

Utility vehicles and trucks have larger tires and increased ground clearance, giving the vehicle a higher center of gravity than a passenger car.

utility vehicles and trucks handle differently than vehicles with a WARNING: Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as utility vehicles and trucks handle differently than vehicles with a lower center of gravity. Utility vehicles and trucks 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 or 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.

may handle differently than unloaded vehicles. Do not overload WARNING: Loaded vehicles, with a higher center of gravity, may handle differently than unloaded vehicles. Do not overload your vehicle and use extra precautions, such as driving at slower speeds, avoiding abrupt steering changes and allowing for increased stopping distance, when driving a heavily loaded vehicle. Over-loading or loading the vehicle improperly can deteriorate handling capability and contribute to loss of vehicle control and vehicle rollover.

    Steering
    Your vehicle is equipped with an electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) system. There is no fluid reservoir to check or fill. If your vehicle loses electrical power while you are driving (or if t ...

    Brake-shift interlock
    This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) when the ignition is in the on position unless brake pedal is pressed. ...

    See also:

    Useful information
    This Operator's Manual describes all models and all standard and optional equipment of your vehicle available at the time of publication of the Operator's Manual. Country-specific diffe ...

    Important safety notes
    WARNING When leaving the vehicle, always remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock. Always take the SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Do not leave children unsupervised in the vehicle ...

    Jump starting
    If jump starting is necessary, see “Jump starting” in the “6. In case of emergency” section. If the engine does not start by jump starting, the battery may have to be replaced. Contact a ...