2011 Ford Ranger Super Cab Owner Guide 2nd Printing - Page 178

Driving Apply just enough power to the wheels to climb the hill. Too much power will cause the tires to slip, spin or lose traction, resulting in loss of vehicle control. Descend a hill in the same gear you would use to climb up the hill to avoid excessive brake application and brake overheating. Do not descend in neutral; instead, disengage overdrive or manually shift to a lower gear. When descending a steep hill, avoid sudden hard braking as you could lose control. When you brake hard, the front wheels cannot turn and if they are not turning, you will not be able to steer. The front wheels have to be turning in order to steer the vehicle. Your vehicle is equipped with a four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS), apply the brakes steadily. Do not "pump" the brakes. Driving on snow and ice 4WD vehicles have advantages over 2WD vehicles in snow and ice but can skid like any other vehicle. Should you start to slide while driving on snowy or icy roads, turn the steering wheel in the direction of the slide until you regain control. Avoid sudden applications of power and quick changes of direction on snow and ice. Apply the accelerator slowly and steadily when starting from a full stop. Avoid sudden braking as well. Although a 4WD vehicle may accelerate better than a two-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice, it won't stop any faster, because as in other vehicles, braking occurs at all four wheels. Do not become overconfident as to road conditions. Make sure you allow sufficient distance between you and other vehicles for stopping. Drive slower than usual and consider using one of the lower gears. Your vehicle is equipped with a four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS); apply the brake steadily. Do not pump the brakes. Refer to the Brakes section of this chapter for additional information on the operation of the anti-lock brake system. 178 2011 Ranger (ran) Owners Guide, 2nd Printing USA (fus)