1997 Mercury Villager Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 254

Changing a Flat Tire If you get a flat tire while you are driving, do not apply the brake heavily. Instead, gradually decrease the speed. Hold the steering wheel firmly and slowly move to a safe place on the side of the road. Park on a level spot, turn off the ignition, set the parking brake, and turn on the hazard flashers. The Temporary Spare Tire Your vehicle has a temporary spare tire (unless you ordered the optional full-size spare tire). This spare tire is smaller than a regular tire and is designed for emergency use only. Use it only when you get a flat tire and replace it as soon as you can. This spare tire is marked with the words TEMPORARY USE ONLY so that you can easily identify it. RWARNING If you use the temporary spare tire continuously or do not follow these precautions, the tire could fail, causing you to lose control of the vehicle, possibly injuring yourself or others. When you drive with the temporary spare tire, DO NOT: s exceed 50 mph (80 km/h) under any circumstances s load your vehicle so that it is heavier than the maximum vehicle load rating listed on the tire decal s tow a trailer s use tire chains s try to repair the temporary spare tire or remove it from its wheel s use the wheel for any other type of vehicle 256