2015 Lincoln MKC Owner Manual Printing 2 - Page 181

All-Wheel Drive (If Equipped) When driving at slow speeds off road under high load conditions, use a low gear when possible. Low gear operation will maximize the engine and transmission cooling capability. Under severe operating conditions, the air conditioning may cycle on and off to prevent the engine from overheating. Basic Operating Principles • Drive slower in strong crosswinds that can affect the normal steering characteristics of your vehicle. When driving your vehicle on surfaces made slippery by loose sand, water, gravel, snow or ice proceed with care. It may be safer to stay on the shoulder of the road and slow down gradually before returning to the road. You may lose control if you do not slow down or if you turn the steering wheel too sharply or abruptly. It may be less risky to strike small objects, such as freeway reflectors, with minor damage to your vehicle rather than attempt an abrupt dangerous direction change. Remember, your primary concern should be your safety and the safety of others. Emergency Maneuvers If you must make a sudden emergency direction change, avoid over-driving your vehicle. Turn the steering wheel only as rapidly and as far as you need to avoid the emergency. Apply smooth pressure to the accelerator pedal or brake pedal as needed. Avoid abrupt steering, acceleration and braking changes. Abrupt changes could increase the risk of vehicle roll over, loss of vehicle control and personal injury. Use all available road surface to bring your vehicle to under control. In the event of an emergency stop, avoid skidding and do not attempt any sharp steering wheel movements. Your vehicle responds differently to steering, accelerating and braking on different road surfaces when changing from one type of surface to another. Sand When driving over sand, avoid driving at excessive speeds. This will cause your vehicle momentum to work against you. Your vehicle could become stuck that may require assistance from another vehicle. Remember, if you proceed with caution you may be able to back out the way you came. Do not drive in deep sand for an extended period. This will cause the all-wheel drive system to overheat. You will see a warning message in the information display. See Information Messages (page 117). • If Your Vehicle leaves the Road If your vehicle leaves the road, reduce your vehicle speed and avoid severe braking. Once you have reduced your vehicle speed, ease your vehicle back onto the road. Do not turn the steering wheel sharply while returning your vehicle to the road. 178