2002 Ford Escape Owner's Manual - Page 179

Driving If you nevertheless decide to equip your 4x4 for off-road use with tires larger than what Ford recommends, you should not use these tires for highway driving. If you use any tire/wheel combination not recommended by Ford, it may adversely affect vehicle handling and could cause steering, suspension, axle or transfer case failure. Do not use"aftermarket lift kits" or other suspension modifications, whether or not they are used with larger tires and wheels. These "aftermarket lift kits" could adversely affect the vehicle's handling characteristics, which could lead to loss of vehicle control or roll over and serious injury. Tires can be damaged during off-road use. For your safety, tires that are damaged should not be used for highway driving because they are more likely to blow out or fail. You should carefully observe the recommended tire inflation pressure found on the safety compliance certification label attached to the left front door lock facing or door latch post pillar. Failure to follow tire pressure recommendations can adversely affect the way your vehicle handles. Do not exceed the Ford recommended pressure even if it is less than the maximum pressure allowed for the tire. Each day before you drive, check your tires. If one looks lower than the others, use a tire gauge to check pressure of all tires, and adjust if required. Check tire pressure with a tire gauge every few weeks (including spare). Safe operation requires tires that are neither underinflated nor overloaded. Periodically inspect the tire treads and remove stones, nails, glass or other objects that may be wedged in the tread grooves. Check for holes or cuts that may permit air leakage from the tire and make necessary repairs. Inspect the tire side walls for cuts, bruises and other damage. If internal damage to the tire is suspected, have the tire demounted and inspected in case it needs to be repaired or replaced. 179