1997 Mercury Villager Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 229

Trailer Towing (may require trailer tow option package) Towing a trailer puts an additional load on your vehicle's engine, transaxle, axle, brakes, tires and suspension. For your safety and for the good of your vehicle, use the right equipment for the type of trailer you tow. s Stay within the load limits when you tow. s 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 section. s Use extra caution when driving your vehicle while you tow. See Driving While You Tow in this section. s Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer. See Servicing Your Vehicle if You Tow in this section. Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been driven at least 500 miles (800 km). Vehicle Loading Information Your vehicle's load capacity is designated by weight, not volume, so you cannot necessarily use all the available space. Maximum safe vehicle weights as well as tire sizes, rim sizes and inflation pressures are specified for your vehicle at the assembly plant on the Safety Compliance Certification Label. The certification label is located on the pillar in the driver's door opening. Each additional item of equipment affects how much cargo a vehicle can carry. If a vehicle is overloaded, performance will suffer and service concerns may arise. 230