1999 FORD CONTOUR suspension

Driving
130TRAILER TOWING
Your vehicle is capable of towing a
trailer of up to a maximum of
454 kg (1 000 lbs) gross trailer
weight with a maximum tongue
load of 45 kg (100 lbs). It should
also have 2.3 sq. meters (25 sq.
feet) or less frontal area. Do not
drive faster than 72 km/h (45 mph)
while towing a 454 kg (1 000 lb)
trailer.
Your vehicle does not come from
the factory fully equipped to tow.
No towing packages are available
through Ford or Lincoln/Mercury
dealers.
Trailer towing puts additional loads
on your vehicleÕs engine, transaxle,
axle, brakes, tires, and suspension.
For your safety and to maximize
vehicle performance, be sure to use
the proper equipment while
towing.
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Maintenance and care
188
The tires on your vehicle have all-
weather treads to provide traction
in rain and snow. However, in some
climates, using snow tires and
chains may be necessary. Ford
offers snow chains as a Ford
approved accessory and
recommends use of these or their
equivalents on approved tires. See
your dealer or a qualified service
technician for more information on
tire chains for your vehicle. Follow
these guidelines when using snow
tires and chains:
¥ Install chains securely, verifying
that the chains do not touch any
wiring, brake lines or fuel lines.
¥ Install the chains on the front
tires only.
¥ Do not use tire chains on 205/60
tires and 205/55R16 Z rated tires.
Steering, suspension and body
components may be damaged by
use of chains.
Snow tires must be the same
size and grade as the tires
you currently have on your
vehicle.
Using snow tires and chains
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Maintenance and care
189
Change over from winter to
summer tires as soon as road
conditions allow, this will reduce
fuel consumption and noise in the
vehicleÕs interior.
¥ Drive cautiously. If you hear the
chains rub or bang against the
vehicle, stop and retighten them. If
this does not work, remove the
chains to prevent vehicle damage.
¥ Local regulations may prohibit or
restrict the use of tire chains.
Investigate the laws and
regulations in your area before
installing chains.
¥ Avoid overloading your vehicle.
¥ Do not use tire chains on
temporary spare tires.
¥ Remove the tire chains when
they are no longer needed. Do not
use chains on dry roads.
¥ The suspension insulation and
bumpers will help prevent vehicle
damage. Do not remove these
components from the vehicle when
using snow tires and chains.
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