Ford 1996 Taurus Manual page 210

Your vehicle does not come from the factory
fully equipped to tow. No towing packages are
available through Ford or Lincoln/Mercury
dealers.
Because towing a trailer puts extra strain on
your vehicle, you must follow certain
precautions for your safety and the good of your
vehicle:
Stay within the load limits when you tow.
(See Knowing Your Vehicle's Load Limits.)
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 chapter.)
Use extra caution when driving your vehicle
while you tow. (See Driving while you tow in
this chapter.)
Service your vehicle more frequently if you
tow a trailer. (See Servicing your vehicle if you
tow in this chapter.)
Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been
driven at least 500 miles (800 km).
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