2001 Ford Escape Owner's Manual - Page 194

Roadside emergencies WRECKER TOWING If you need to have your vehicle towed, contact a professional towing service or, if you are a member, your roadside assistance center. It is recommended that your vehicle be towed with a wheel lift and dollies or flatbed equipment. Do not tow with a slingbelt. Ford Motor Company has not approved a slingbelt towing procedure. If your vehicle is to be towed from the rear using wheel lift equipment, it is recommended that the front wheels (drive wheels) be placed on a dolly to prevent damage to the transaxle. On 4x4 vehicles, it is required that your vehicle be towed with a wheel lift and dollies or flatbed equipment with all the wheels off the ground to prevent damage to the 4x4 system or vehicle. If the vehicle is towed by other means or incorrectly, vehicle damage may occur. In case of a roadside emergency with a disabled vehicle (without access to wheel dollies, car hauling trailer, or flatbed transport vehicle) your vehicle (regardless of transmission powertrain configuration) can be flat 194