pg. 64 Driving economy
Economical driving conserves natural resources
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 short trips. Short trips do not allow the engine to reach normal operating
temperature.
· Drive carefully and avoid rapid acceleration and hard braking.
· Do not exceed posted speed limits.
· 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.
· Utilizing the fuel consumption modes in the Trip Computer 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 : The automatic transmission's ( D)rive position should be used as often as possible to help improve fuel
economy.
WARNING!
It is recommended that tires of the same make and dimensions be used on all four wheels (including the use of
snow tires). Do not use bias ply tires as this will adversely alter vehicle handling characteristics. Maintain correct tire
pressure.
Do not drive with trunk lid open! A warning light in the instrument panel will indicate that the trunk is open.
Poisonous exhaust gases may enter via the open trunk lid. If the trunk lid/tailgate must be kept open for any reason,
proceed as follows:
· Close the windows.
· Set the ventilation system control to air flow to floor, windshield and side windows and blower control to its
highest setting.
pg. 65 Starting the engine
ProCarManuals.com
Seat belts2,3
Seat belts - cleaning105
Seats47
Service reminder indicator23
Servicing110,111
Shift lock66
Shiftlock release99
Shiftlock release (override)99
Side Impact Protection System (SIPS)8
Side marker lamp replacement90
Side-view mirrors - heated26
SIPS8
Snow chains81
Snow tires81
Spare tire84
Spare tire (sedan)57
Spark plugs124
Specifications121
SRS5,6,7
SRS diagnostic system22
SRS warning light5,22
Start inhibitor (immobilizer)40
Starting the engine65
Steering wheel adjustment34
Steering wheel lock26
Storage compartments54
Studded tires81
Sun roof51,52
T
Tachometer20
Tailgate (opening/locking)45
Technical Data - audio142
Temperature gauge20
Temporary spare tire84
Tires - changing87
Tire pressure82
Tires80
Tool kit86
Towing70,71
Towing a trailer78
Traction Control System (TRACS)23,74
Trailer hitch -detachable76
Trailer towing78
Transmission Lamp67
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