1996 Ford Explorer Owner's Manual - Page 261

Driving Your Explorer When climbing a steep hill, start in a lower gear, rather than finding it necessary to downshift from a higher gear after the ascent has started. This reduces strain on the engine and the possibility of stalling. When descending a steep hill avoid sudden braking. Rapid pumping of the brake pedal will help slow the vehicle and still maintain steering control. Driving on Snow or Ice A four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicle has advantages over two-wheel drive vehicles in snow and ice but can skid like any other vehicle. If so equipped, keep the vehicle in four-wheel drive if icy or slippery conditions exist. Avoid sudden applications of power and quick changes of direction on snow or ice. Apply the accelerator slowly and steadily when starting from a full stop. All utility-type and Four-Wheel Drive vehicles have special design and equipment features to make them capable of performing in a wide variety of off-road applications. Specific design characteristics give them higher centers of gravity than ordinary passenger cars. RWARNING Utility and four-wheel drive vehicles 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 or abrupt maneuvers in these vehicles. Brakes Front Disc Brakes The front disc brakes are self-adjusting. They do not require service other than periodic inspection for pad wear. 261