Ford TOURNEO CONNECT, Owner'S Manual

Page: 139 / 437

never create a driving situation that will
place a heavy load on the brakes.
WARNING
Overheated brakes reduce the braking ef-
fect and considerably increase the brak-
ing distance.
·
When driving downhill the brakes are
placed under particular strain and be-
come hot very quickly.
·
Before driving down a long, steep gradi-
ent, reduce the vehicle speed or change
to a lower gear (with manual gearbox-
es or in the manual
shift program of the
automatic gearbox). This will make use
of the engine braking effect and relieve
the load on the brakes.
·
Non-standard or damaged front spoil-
ers could restrict the
airflow to the
brakes and cause them to overheat.
WARNING
Wet brakes or brakes coated with ice or
road salt react more slowly and require
longer braking distances.
·
Test the brake carefully.
·
Always dry the brakes and clean off any
coating of ice and salt with a few cau-
tious applications of the brake when
visibility, weather, road and traffic con-
ditions permit.
WARNING
Driving without the brake servo or with re-
stricted brake servo function can consid-
erably increase the braking distance and
cause accidents and serious injuries.
·
Never switch the engine or ignition off
while the vehicle is in motion.
·
If the brake servo does not function or
the vehicle is being towed, you must
depress the brake pedal more forcefully
as the braking distance will be in-
creased due to the lack of assistance
for the brake system.
·
Keep the footwell under the pedals
clear so that the brake pedal can move
freely.
If the front brake pads are tested, the
rear brake pads should be tested at
the same time. Regularly check the thick-
ness of the brake pads through the open-
ings in the rims or from the underside of the
vehicle. If necessary, remove the wheels to
carry out a comprehensive check. Please
contact a correspondingly qualified work-
shop.
Driving a loaded vehicle
For good vehicle handling when driving
a loaded vehicle, please observe the fol-
lowing points:
— Securely stow all baggage and loads
→
page 260.
— Accelerate particularly cautiously and
carefully.
— Avoid sudden braking and driving ma-
noeuvres.
— Brake earlier than in normal driving.
— If necessary, refer to information about
the roof load carrier
→
page 279,
→
page 281.
— If applicable, observe the information
about driving with a trailer (country-de-
pendent)
→ page 272.
WARNING
Moving loads can severely impair the ve-
hicle’s stability and driving safety which
could cause accidents and severe injuries.
·
Secure loads properly to prevent them
from sliding.
·
Use suitable straps when securing
heavy objects.
·
Engage the rear seat backrests secure-
ly.
Driving with an open boot lid
Driving with an open boot lid is particularly
dangerous. All objects and the open boot
lid must be secured properly. Take the ap-
propriate measures to reduce the amount
of poisonous exhaust fumes that could en-
ter the vehicle.
Make sure you observe any legal require-
ments when driving with an open boot lid.
Information on driving 137
2KF012
720AB