2013 Ford F150 Super Cab Owner Manual Printing 3 - Page 229

228 Four-Wheel Drive (If Equipped) For vehicles equipped with a 3.5L Ecoboost™ engine: Your vehicle is equipped with an underbody transmission shield and brackets that may become damaged (due to reduced ground clearance) when taking your vehicle off-road. Remove the shield by disengaging the fasteners at each corner of the shield. Then, remove the shield rear brackets by removing the bracket to frame bolts, or have your authorized dealer perform the work for you. Basic Operating Principles In Special Conditions • Do not use 4WD on dry, hard surfaced roads. Doing so will produce excessive noise, increase tire wear and may damage drive components. 4WD modes are only intended for consistently slippery or loose surfaces. • Drive slower in strong crosswinds which can affect the normal steering characteristics of your vehicle. • Be extremely careful when driving on pavement made slippery by loose sand, water, gravel, snow or ice. If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement • If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement, slow down, but avoid severe brake application, ease the vehicle back onto the pavement only after reducing your speed. Do not turn the steering wheel too sharply while returning to the road surface. • It may be safer to stay on the apron or shoulder of the road and slow down gradually before returning to the pavement. You may lose control if you do not slow down or if you turn the steering wheel too sharply or abruptly. • It often may be less risky to strike small objects, such as highway reflectors, with minor damage to your vehicle rather than attempt a sudden return to the pavement which could cause the vehicle to slide sideways out of control or roll over. Remember, your safety and the safety of others should be your primary concern. 2013 F-150 (f12) Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, February 2013 USA (fus)