Better driving economy may be obtained by thinking ahead, avoiding rapid starts and stops and adjusting the speed of
your vehicle to immediate traffic conditions. Observe the following rules:
· Bring the engine to normal operating temperature as soon as possible by driving with a light foot on the accelerator
pedal for the first few minutes of operation. A cold engine uses more fuel and is subject to increased wear.
· Whenever possible, avoid using the car for driving short distances. This does not allow the engine to reach normal
operating temperature.
· Drive carefully and avoid rapid acceleration and hard braking.
· Do not exceed speed limit.
· Avoid carrying unnecessary items (extra load) in the car.
· Maintain correct tire pressure. Check tire pressure regularly (check when tires are cold).
· Remove snow tires when threat of snow or ice has ended.
· Note that roof racks, ski racks, etc., increase air resistance and thereby fuel consumption.
· Avoid using automatic transmission kickdown feature unless necessary.
· Avoid using the air conditioning when it is not required. When engaged, the air conditioner's compressor places an
additional load on the engine. However, please note that fuel consumption is lower with the air conditioning on than it
is when driving with the air conditioning switched off and the windows down.
· If your car is equipped with the optional Trip Computer, utilizing the fuel consumption modes can help you "learn"
how to drive more economically.
Other factors which decrease gas mileage are:
· Worn or dirty spark plugs
· Incorrect spark plug gap
· Dirty air cleaner
· Dirty engine oil and clogged oil filter
· Dragging brakes
· Incorrect front end alignment
Some of the above mentioned items and others are checked at the standard Maintenance Service intervals.
NOTE: (D)rive or 5th gear (manual transmissions) should be used as often as possible to help improve fuel economy.
pg. 59 Starting the engine
Starting and stopping
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Rear (side) windows - opening37
Rear fog light17,22
Rear suspension122
Rear window demister23
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Refueling57
Remote control (central locking system)43
Remote keyless entry system43
Replacing bulbs84,85,86,87,88
Replacing fuses89
Reporting safety defects13
Roadholding65
Roof rails/racks65
S
Safety defects - reporting13
Seat belt maintenance13
Seat belts2,3,11
Automatic Locking Retractor11
Emergency Locking Retractor11
Seat belts - cleaning102
Seats46
Seats - heated30
Securing cargo54
Service reminder indicator17,19
Servicing108,109,110
Shift lock59
Shiftlock release (override)95
Side Impact Protection System (SIPS)8
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SIPS8
Snow chains75
Snow tires75
Spare tire82
Spare tire (sedan)53
Spark plugs122
Spark plugs - replacing122
Specifications119
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