1996 Mercury Cougar Owner's Manual - Page 173

Steering Your Vehicle Your vehicle comes with power steering. Power steering uses energy from the engine to help steer your vehicle. If the amount of effort needed to steer your vehicle changes at a constant vehicle speed, have the power steering system checked. If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually but it takes more effort. Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme right or left for more than five seconds if the engine is running. This can damage the power steering pump. Speed Sensitive Power Steering (If equipped) The steering system in 4.6L engine vehicles is speed sensitive. This means that the steering effort is light for parking and heavier for highway driving. However, if you have to swerve around an object or another vehicle, your steering will have full power assist. Brakes Applying the Brakes Braking non ABS models Your vehicle has power front disc brakes and rear drum brakes. Anti-lock disc brakes on all four wheels are optional. They adjust automatically as the brake pads or linings wear down. Apply the brake pedal gradually. Use the "squeeze" technique - push on the brake pedal with a steadily increasing force. This allows the wheels to continue to roll while you are slowing down, which lets you steer properly. 173