1996 Mercury Sable Owner's Manual - Page 237

The weight limits of your vehicle's tires affect the GVWR or GAWR limitations. Usage of replacement tires with higher weight limit than originals does not increase GVWR or GAWR. Usage of lower capacity replacement tires may lower GVWR and GAWR limitations. RWARNING If the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the Safety Compliance Certification Label is exceeded, your vehicle may be damaged or you may lose control and injure someone. Limiting Your Vehicle's Load The load that you add to your vehicle must not exceed the maximum load stated on the Safety Compliance Certification Decal attached to the left front door pillar. To figure the weight of your vehicle's load, add the weights of: u the driver and passengers u luggage and any other items that you put in your vehicle u the tongue load of the loaded trailer u the weight of any equipment that has been added to your vehicle since it was delivered to your dealer If you do not know the actual weights of these items, use the following procedure to figure the weight of a load: 1. Weigh your vehicle without the driver, passengers and luggage. You might take your vehicle to a shipping company or an inspection station for trucks. 210