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The rear window heating for demist-
ing/ defrosting is turned ON by switch
6.
SAFE DRIVING
INSTRUCTIONS
Observe the rules laid down below
to ensure your safety on the road and
maintain sound condition of the vehicle.
At the wheel
Efficient driving technique depends
on the driver’s good posture, which can
be described as follows: the driver
leans back firmly against the backrest
with his legs slightly bent in the knees
when the pedals are fully depressed
and with both his hands on the steering
wheel also slightly bent. Try to seat
firmly but not stiffly, otherwise you will
get tired fairly soon.
Before the trip
Make the following checks before
each trip:
1. Check tyre pressure and inflate as
necessary. A pressure difference as
small as 0.2-0.3 kgf/cm
2
may impede
drivability and cause skidding at brak-
ing.
2. Check oil level and top up if nec-
essary.
3. Check coolant, braking fluid and
washer fluid levels and top up as nec-
essary.
4. Check exterior illumination for
correct operation.
5. Check windscreen wiper/washer
and the parking brake.
6. Carefully inspect the parking
ground. Spillage of oil or other fluids
indicates leaks in the car systems.
Correct the problem.
7. Check brakes for correct opera-
tion while driving out from the parking
lot.
Fording
Ford with caution, since water may
hide pits or other obstacles, which may
damage wheel disks and suspension
components. Do not cross fords over
0.3 m deep (water coming over vehicle
bumper). Proceed with caution to avoid
waves coming onto the radiator grille,
for it may cause water suction into the
engine through the air intake, and
eventual engine failure. Purge the air
cleaner with pressurized air after the
fording if necessary.
The ignition system components
may become wet and cause engine
stoppage if driven in heavy rain. To
avoid moisture condensation on the
ignition system components apply a
spray type water repellant.
The first few minutes after a rain
starts present special hazard of wetted
dust, which forms a slippery film on the
road, thus reducing tyre traction.
Gently apply brakes from time to
time to dry up brake disks and drums,
which may become ineffective if wet.
Switch windscreen wiper to maxi-
mum speed during nonstop overtaking.
This will help you to have unhindered
visibility even if there are water splash-
es coming from under the wheels of the
vehicle you are passing. Do the same if
another vehicle is passing you by.
Do not overtake other vehicles if the
water mist limits visibility.
Increase the distance to the vehicle
ahead and slow down to avoid driving
in the water mist.
RE2115eng 23/04/2002 15:23 Page 31