CAUTION
During the first 1,200 miles (2,000 km),
follow these recommendations to ob-
tain maximum engine performance and
ensure the future reliability and
economy of your new vehicle. Failure to
follow these recommendations may re-
sult in shortened engine life and re-
duced engine performance.
Avoid driving for long periods at constant
speed, either fast or slow. Do not run the
engine over 4,000 rpm.
Do not accelerate at full throttle in any gear.
Avoid quick starts.
Avoid hard braking as much as possible.
Do not tow a trailer for the first 500 miles
(800 km).Accelerate slowly and smoothly. Maintain
cruising speeds with a constant accelerator
position.
Drive at moderate speeds on the highway.
Driving at high speed will lower fuel economy.
Avoid unnecessary stopping and braking.
Maintain a safe distance behind other ve-
hicles.
Use a proper gear range which suits road
conditions. On level roads, shift into high gear
as soon as possible.
Avoid unnecessary engine idling.
Keep your engine tuned up.
Follow the recommended periodic mainte-
nance schedule.
Keep the tires inflated to the correct pres-
sure. Low tire pressure will increase tire wear
and lower fuel economy.
Keep the front wheels in correct alignment.
Improper alignment will increase tire wear
and lower fuel economy.
Air conditioner operation lowers fuel
economy. Use the air conditioner only when
necessary.
When cruising at highway speeds, it is more
economical to use the air conditioner andleave the windows closed to reduce drag.
Use the recommended viscosity engine oil.
See “Engine oil and oil filter recommenda-
tion” in the “9. Technical and consumer infor-
mation” section.BREAK-IN SCHEDULE INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY5-18
Starting and driving
06.1.17/Z33-D/V5.0
corrosive materials, check lubrication frequently.
Lights*:Clean the headlights on a regular basis.
Make sure that the headlights, stop lights, tail
lights, turn signal lights, and other lights are all
operating properly and installed securely. Also
check headlight aim.
Road wheel nuts (lug nuts)*:When checking
the tires, make sure no nuts are missing, and
check for any loose nuts. Tighten if necessary.
Tire rotation*:Tires cannot be rotated in this
vehicle.
Tire, wheel alignment and balance:If the
vehicle pulls to either side while driving on a
straight and level road, or if you detect uneven or
abnormal tire wear, there may be a need for
wheel alignment.
If the steering wheel or seat vibrates at normal
highway speeds, wheel balancing may be
needed.
For additional information regarding tires, refer to
“Important Tire Safety Information” (US) or “Tire
Safety Information” (Canada) in the Warranty
Information Booklet.
Tires*:Check the pressure with a gauge often
and always prior to long distance trips. Adjust
the pressure in all tires, including the spare, to
the pressure specified. Check carefully for dam-age, cuts or excessive wear.
Windshield:Clean the windshield on a regular
basis. Check the windshield at least every six
months for cracks or other damage. Have a
damaged windshield repaired by a qualified re-
pair facility.
Windshield wiper blades*:Check for cracks
or wear if they do not wipe properly.
Inside the vehicleThe maintenance items listed here should be
checked on a regular basis, such as when
performing periodic maintenance, cleaning the
vehicle, etc.
Automatic transmission P (Park) position
mechanism:On a fairly steep hill check that the
vehicle is held securely with the selector lever in
the P (Park) position without applying any
brakes.
Accelerator pedal:Check the pedal for
smooth operation and make sure the pedal does
not catch or require uneven effort. Keep the floor
mat away from the pedal.
Brakes:Check that the brakes do not pull the
vehicle to one side when applied.
Brake pedal and booster*:Check the pedal
for smooth operation and make sure it has the
proper distance under it when depressed fully.Check the brake booster function. Be sure to
keep floor mat away from the pedal.
Parking brake*:Check that the lever/pedal
has the proper travel and make sure that the
vehicle is held securely on a fairly steep hill when
only the parking brake is applied.
Seats:Check seat position controls such as
seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. to ensure
they operate smoothly and that all latches lock
securely in every position. Check that the head
restraints move up and down smoothly and that
the locks (if equipped) hold securely in all
latched positions.
Seat belts:Check that all parts of the seat belt
system (for example, buckles, anchors, adjusters
and retractors) operate properly and smoothly,
and are installed securely. Check the belt web-
bing for cuts, fraying, wear or damage.
Steering wheel:Check for changes in the
steering conditions, such as excessive free play,
hard steering or strange noises.
Warning lights and chimes:Make sure that all
warning lights and chimes are operating prop-
erly.
Windshield wiper and washer*:Check that
the wipers and washer operate properly and that
the wipers do not streak.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-3
06.1.17/Z33-D/V5.0
