Mercury 1997 Cougar Manual page 183

The Temporary Spare Tire
You have a high pressure temporary 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.
NOTE: Extended use of other than
conventional spare tires on a
Traction-Lok rear axle could result in a
permanent reduction in effectiveness.
This loss of effectiveness does not
affect normal driving and should not
be noticeable to the driver.
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:
exceed 50 mph (80 km/h) under any
circumstances.
load your vehicle so that it is heavier than
the maximum vehicle load rating listed on
the tire decal.
tow a trailer.
use tire chains on this tire.
try to repair the temporary spare tire or
remove it from its wheel.
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