Servicing After Towing; Trailer Towing Tips - Mercury Sable 1998 Owner's Manual

Driving

Servicing after towing

If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle
will require more frequent service intervals. Refer to
the Severe Duty Schedule in your "Service Guide"
for more information.

Trailer towing tips

• Practice turning, stopping and backing up in an
area before starting on a trip to get the feel of the
vehicle trailer combination. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs
and other obstacles.
• Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer
attached.
• The trailer tongue weight should be 10–15% of
the loaded trailer weight.
• After you have traveled 80 km (50 miles),
thoroughly check your hitch, electrical
connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
• When stopped in traffic for long periods of time in
hot weather, place the gearshift in P (Park) and
increase idle speed. This aids engine cooling and
air conditioner efficiency.
• Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a
grade. If you must park on a grade, place wheel
chocks under the trailer's wheels.
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