1998 Mercury Villager Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 224

The parking brake is not designed to stop a moving vehicle, but you can use the parking brake to stop your vehicle in an emergency if the service brakes fail. However, since the parking brake does not stop your vehicle as quickly as the normal brakes, the stopping distance will increase greatly. Steering Your Vehicle Your vehicle has 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 in the extreme right or left position for more than five seconds if the engine is running. This can damage the power steering pump. NOTE: After any severe impact such as striking large potholes, sliding into curbs on icy roads, or a collision involving the front end, have the front suspension and steering checked for possible damage. 220