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Driving – Lincoln 1998 Continental User Manual

Page 107

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trailer’s lamps, see your Lincoln dealer. Be sure to follow their
instructions carefully.

If you do not install trailer lights correctly, you may cause damage to the
vehicle’s lighting system or other vehicle systems.

Driving while you tow

Do not drive faster than 88 km/h (55 mph) when towing a trailer.

Speed control may shut off if you are towing on long, steep grades.

When towing a trailer:
• Shift out of D (Overdrive) and into 3 (Third) or a lower gear when

towing up or down steep hills. This will eliminate excessive
downshifting and upshifting for optimum fuel economy and transaxle
cooling.

• Anticipate stops and brake gradually.

Servicing after towing

If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to the Severe Duty Schedule in your
“Service Guide” for more information.

Trailer towing tips

• Practice turning, stopping and backing up in an area before starting on

a trip to get the feel of the vehicle trailer combination. When turning,
make wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other
obstacles.

• Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
• The trailer tongue weight should be 10–15% of the loaded trailer

weight.

• After you have traveled 80 km (50 miles), thoroughly check your

hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.

• When stopped in traffic for long periods of time in hot weather, place

the gearshift in P (Park) and increase idle speed. This aids engine
cooling and air conditioner efficiency.

• Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must

park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer’s wheels.

Driving

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