2000 Mercury Cougar Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 160

Driving Payload = GVWR minus Base curb weight To obtain the correct weight for your vehicle, take your vehicle to a shipping company or an inspection station for trucks. Do not use replacement tires with lower weight capacities than the originals because they might lower the vehicle's GVWR and GAWR. (Replacement tires with a higher weight limit than the originals do not increase the GVWR and GAWR limitations.) In high altitudes, engines will lose power at a rate of 3% power per 300 m (1 000 ft) increase in elevation. A reduction in GVW and GCW is recommended for maximum vehicle performance. Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the Safety Compliance Certification Label. 900 m (3000 ft) 600 m (2000 ft) 300 m (1000 ft) 0 Ć9% Ć6% Ć3% 160