1997 Mercury Cougar Owner's Manual - Page 163

RWARNING Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn off the ignition whenever you leave your vehicle. RWARNING Never leave your vehicle unattended while it is running. You can tell a console-mounted gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) if the lever is adjacent to the P (Park) and you cannot move it without pushing in the thumb button. Driving With a Heavy Load There are limits to the amount of weight your vehicle can carry or tow. The total weight of your vehicle, plus the weight of the passengers and cargo, should never be more than the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Also, the weight that your vehicle carries over the front axle and rear axle should never be more than the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the respective axle. You can find your vehicle's GVWR and GAWR on the Safety Compliance Certification Label on the left front door lock facing or the door latch post pillar. The weight limits of your vehicle's tires affect the GVWR or GAWR limitations. Usage of replacement tires with higher weight limits than originals does not increase GVWR or GAWR. Usage of lower capacity replacement tires may lower GVWR and GAWR limitations. 162