2001 Ford Escort Owner's Manual - Page 100

Driving The BRAKE warning lamp in the P ! instrument cluster illuminates and remains illuminated (when the ignition is turned ON) until the BRAKE parking brake is released. The parking brake is not recommended to stop a moving vehicle. However, if the normal brakes fail, the parking brake can be used to stop your vehicle in an emergency. Since the parking brake applies only the rear brakes, the vehicle's stopping distance will increase greatly and the handling of your vehicle will be adversely affected. Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic transaxle) or in 1 (First) (manual transaxle). Push the button on the end of the parking brake and push the handle down as far as possible to release the brake. Driving with the parking brake on will cause the brakes to wear out quickly and reduce fuel economy. STEERING Your vehicle is equipped with power steering. Power steering uses energy from the engine to help steer the vehicle. To prevent damage to the power steering pump: • Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme right or the extreme left for more than a few seconds when the engine is running. • Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level (below the MIN mark on the reservoir). If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort. 100