Ford AM/FM stereo manual Servicing after towing, Trailer towing tips, Driving

Driving

•To eliminate excessive shifting, use a lower gear. This will also assist in transmission cooling.

•Anticipate stops and brake gradually.

When descending long, steep downhill grades, always use a lower gear to provide engine braking to save wear on brakes. Use Drive (Overdrive OFF) on moderately steep hills, Second (2) on steep hills, and First (1) on very steep hills. Do not apply your brakes continuously, as they may overheat and become less effective.

Servicing after towing

If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more frequent service intervals. Refer to your Scheduled Maintenance Guide for more information.

Trailer towing tips

•Practice turning, stopping and backing up before starting on a trip to get the feel of the vehicle trailer combination. When turning, make wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.

•Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.

•The trailer tongue weight should be 10–15% of the loaded trailer weight.

•If you will be towing a trailer frequently in hot weather, hilly conditions, at GCW, or any combination of these factors, consider refilling your rear axle with synthetic gear lube. Refer to the Maintenance and specifications chapter for the lubricant specification.

•After you have traveled 80 km (50 miles), thoroughly check your hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.

•When stopped in traffic for long periods of time in hot weather, place the gearshift in P (Park) and increase idle speed. This aids engine cooling and air conditioner efficiency.

•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer’s wheels.

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