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Driving – Mercury Tracer 1997 User Manual

Page 104

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and change the weight on the
hitch.

Using trailer brakes

Use electric brakes or manual,
automatic, or surge-type hydraulic
brakes that meet federal and local
regulations. Install and adjust the
brakes according to the
manufacturer’s instructions.

Do not connect a trailer’s
hydraulic brake system

directly to your vehicle’s brake
system. Your vehicle may not
have enough braking power and
your chances of having a
collision greatly increase.

Using safety chains

Always connect the trailer’s safety
chains to the vehicle. To connect
the chains, cross the chains under
the trailer tongue and attach to the
vehicle frame or hook retainers
(not the bumper). Make sure there
is enough slack to allow the vehicle
to turn corners.

Using trailer lamps

See your local trailer dealer or
rental agency for the proper
instructions and equipment for
hooking up trailer lamps.

Do not hook the trailer lights
directly into the vehicle’s lighting
system wiring. If the trailer lamps
are not installed properly, the
warning lights in the instrument
cluster may not work properly.

Driving

104