Mercury Mountaineer 2009 Owner's Manual page 570

Driver Controls
2. Slide the cross-bar to the desired location.
3. Tighten the thumbwheel at both ends of the cross-bar.
Be sure to check that the thumbwheels are tight each time load is added
or removed from the roof rack, and periodically while traveling. Always
ensure that the load is secure before traveling.
Note: When the cross-bars are not in use, they can either be removed or
adjusted so that the rear crossbar is fully rearward, and the front
crossbar is 10 inches from the front end-cap for optimum wind noise.
WARNING: Loaded vehicles, with a higher center of gravity,
may handle differently than unloaded vehicles. Extra
precautions, such as slower speeds and increased stopping distance,
should be taken when driving a heavily loaded vehicle.
WARNING: Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as
utility and four-wheel drive vehicles handle differently than
vehicles with a lower center of gravity. Utility and four-wheel drive
vehicles are not designed for cornering at speeds as high as passenger
cars any more than low-slung sport cars are designed to perform
satisfactorily under off-road conditions. Avoid sharp turns, excessive
speed and abrupt maneuvers in these vehicles. Failure to drive
cautiously could result in an increase risk of loss of vehicle control,
vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.
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2009 Mountaineer (mnt)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA (fus)