2000 Ford Taurus Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 125

Driving If driving through deep or standing water is unavoidable, proceed very slowly. Never drive through water that is higher than the bottom of the hubs (for trucks) or the bottom of the wheel rims (for cars). Once through the water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop the vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by moving your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal. Driving through deep water where the transmission vent tube is submerged may allow water into the transmission and cause internal transmission damage. TRAILER TOWING Your vehicle is classified as a light duty towing vehicle. The amount of weight you can safely tow depends on the type of engine you have in your vehicle. Your vehicle does not come from the factory fully equipped to tow. No towing packages are available through Ford or Mercury/Lincoln dealers. Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been driven at least 800 km (500 miles). If towing with a station wagon, inflate the rear tires to 35 psi. Towing a trailer places an additional load on your vehicle's engine, transaxle, brakes, tires and suspension. Inspect these components carefully after towing. In order to identify your vehicle's engine, refer to Identifying components in the engine compartment in the Maintenance and Care chapter. The amount of weight that you can tow depends on the type of engine in your vehicle. See the following charts: Model Sedan 3.0L 2-Valve Passenger Load #/kg (lbs.) 5/340 (750) 4/270 (600) 2/135 (300) 2/135 (300) 4/270 (600) 2/135 (300) 2/135 (300) Vulcan Engine Luggage Load - Max Trailer kg (lbs.) Wt.- kg (lbs.) 0 365 (800) 70 (150) 365 (800) 70 (150) 500 (1 100) 0 565 (1 250) 0 365 (800) 70 (150) 430 (950) 0 500 (1 100) Wagon The above chart is based on the specified vehicle at a maximum GCW (Vehicle weight + Trailer weight) equal to 2 245 kg (4 950 lbs.). 125