1996 Mercury Sable Owner's Manual - Page 240

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: u Stay within the load limits when you tow. (See Knowing Your Vehicle's Load Limits.) u 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.) while you tow. (See Driving while you tow in this chapter.) u Use extra caution when driving your vehicle u Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer. (See Servicing your vehicle if you tow in this chapter.) Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been driven at least 500 miles (800 km). RWARNING Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended gross trailer weight exceeds the limits of the vehicle and could result in engine damage, transaxle damage, structural damage, loss of control, and personal injury. 213