1996 Ford Escort Owner's Manual - Page 237

Driving Under Special Conditions Tips for Safe Driving As with any new vehicle, yours may drive and handle differently from your previous vehicle. Use care until you become accustomed to its various features and driving characteristics. Operate your vehicle within reasonable limits. Sudden acceleration, deceleration, turning, or combinations of these maneuvers can cause a vehicle to behave differently than anticipated. u Extreme acceleration can cause the front wheels to spin, perhaps resulting in reduced steering control. braking can cause wheels to lock and slide, making it difficult to control the direction of the vehicle. Use the "squeeze" technique by pushing on the brake pedal with steadily increasing force. This allows the wheels to brake yet continue to roll so that you may steer in the direction you want to travel. If you lock the wheels, release the brake pedal and repeat the squeeze technique. brake hard while going too fast around a severe curve, your vehicle may change direction. Avoid application of the brakes, if possible. If braking is necessary, it should be done by using the "squeeze" technique described above. u If you do not have anti-lock brakes, extreme u If you abruptly release the accelerator or 237