1996 Mercury Cougar Owner's Manual - Page 178
1996 Mercury Cougar Manual
Page 178 highlights
RWARNING If your vehicle has speed control, do not use it on slippery roads. You could lose control of your vehicle and could injure someone. If your vehicle gets stuck (for example, in mud or snow), you may try to "rock" it out of the spot. Shift, in a steady rhythm, between forward and reverse gears. At the same time, press lightly on the accelerator. RWARNING Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph (55 km/h). The tires may fail and injure a passenger or bystander. By moving the vehicle backward and forward, you may gain enough momentum to move out of the spot. Do not rock the vehicle for more than a few minutes. This may overheat the engine, damage the transmission, or damage the tires. If you are still stuck after a minute or two of rocking, call for a tow truck. High water Do not drive through flooded areas unless you are sure that the water is below the bottom of the wheel rims. If you must drive through high water, drive slowly. You may have limited traction or wet brakes, so allow extra stopping distance because your vehicle will not stop as quickly as usual. After you drive through the standing water, apply your brakes gently several times as your vehicle moves slowly. This helps to dry the brakes. 178