2000 Mercury Cougar Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 165

Driving Using a hitch Do not use hitches that: • Clamp onto the vehicle bumper. • Attach to the axle. Distribute the load so that only 10 to 15% of the total weight of the trailer is on the tongue. Tie down the load so that it does not shift and change weight on the hitch. Follow the instructions of a reputable rental agency. Using trailer lamps Trailer lamps may be required on towed vehicles. Make sure your trailer lamps conform to any applicable regulation. See your local trailer retailer or rental agency for proper instructions and equipment for hooking up trailer lamps. Do not hook the trailer lamps directly into the vehicle's wiring system. If the trailer lamps are not working properly, the warning lights in the instrument cluster may not work properly. 165