1997 Ford Contour Owner's Manual - Page 140

Driving You can find the GVWR and GAWR on the Safety Compliance Certification Label on the left front door lock facing or the door latch post pillar. If your vehicle exceeds the GVWR, remove cargo from your vehicle accordingly. If your vehicle exceeds the GAWR for either axle, shift the load or remove cargo accordingly. RWARNING Improper distribution of your vehicle's load or carrying weight in excess of the amount shown on the tire decal can cause rapid tire wear or loss of vehicle control. Trailer Towing Your vehicle is capable of towing a trailer of up to a maximum of 1,000 lbs. (454 kg) gross trailer weight with a maximum tongue load of 100 lbs (45 kg). It should also have 25 sq. ft. (2.3 sq. meters) or less frontal area. Do not drive faster than 55 mph (90 km/h) while towing a 1,000 lb. (454 kg) trailer. Your vehicle does not come from the factory fully equipped to tow. No towing packages are available through Ford or Lincoln/Mercury dealers. Because towing a trailer puts extra strain on your vehicle, you must follow certain precautions for your safety and the good of your vehicle: s Stay within the load limits when you tow. (See Knowing Your Vehicle's Load Limits.) s Carefully and thoroughly prepare your vehicle for towing, making sure to use the right equipment and to attach it properly. (See Preparing to Tow in this chapter.) s Use extra caution when driving your vehicle while you tow. (See Driving while you tow in this chapter.) 141