1996 Ford Mustang Owner's Manual - Page 181

Downshifting When you slow down or climb a steep hill, always downshift before the engine starts to lose power. Downshifting reduces the chance of stalling and gives your vehicle better acceleration to increase speed again. When you drive down steep hills, downshifting helps you keep a safe speed and helps prevent unnecessary wear on the brakes. When you come to a stop, do not downshift through each gear. Disengage the clutch and use the brake as necessary. Downshifting through the gears decreases your vehicle's fuel economy. NOTE: Do not downshift into 1 (First) when your vehicle is moving faster than 15 mph (24 km/h). This will damage the clutch. Parking To park your vehicle, shift into 1 (First), set the parking brake fully, and turn off the ignition. RWARNING Do not park your vehicle in Neutral, it may move unexpectedly and injure someone. Use 1 (First) gear and set the parking brake fully. Traction-Lok Axle (If equipped) This axle provides added traction on slippery surfaces, particularly when one wheel is on a poor traction surface. Under normal conditions the Traction-Lok axle functions as a standard rear axle. 185