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5. Locate and carefully remove the engine oil level dipstick.
6. Wipe the dipstick clean. Insert the dipstick fully, then remove itagain.
• If the oil level is within the MIN and MAX marks or the lower and
upper holes, the oil level is acceptable. DO NOT ADD OIL.
• If the oil level is below the MIN mark or the lower hole, engine oil
must be added to raise the level within the normal operating range.
• If required, add engine oil to the engine. Refer to Adding engine oil
in this chapter.
• Do not overfill the engine with oil. Oil levels above the MAX
mark or upper hole may cause engine damage. If the engine is
overfilled, some oil must be removed from the engine by an authorized
dealer.
7. Put the dipstick back in and ensure it is fully seated.
Adding engine oil 1. Check the engine oil. For instructions, refer to Checking the engine
oil in this chapter.
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•Minimize temperature extremes when the vehicle is parked, for
example by storing in a garage to avoid extreme cold in winter and
extreme sun loads in summer. The high voltage battery operates more
efficiently in moderate temperatures.
• Combine errands. Your vehicle is more fuel efficient when the engine
is warm. Driving to your farthest destination first will warm the engine
more quickly and may improve fuel economy for the rest of the trip.
Maintenance
• Keep tires properly inflated and use only recommended size.
• Keep wheels properly aligned.
• Use recommended engine oil. Refer to Lubricant specificationsin
this chapter.
• Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the
recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found in scheduled maintenance information.
Conditions
• Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy
at any speed.
• Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately
1 mpg [0.4 km/L] is lost for every 300 lb [136 kg] of weight carried).
• Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example; bug
deflectors, rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski/luggage racks, flags)
may reduce fuel economy.
• Using fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel economy.
• Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel economy as compared to
driving on mountainous terrain.
• Close windows for high speed driving.
EPA window sticker
Every new vehicle should have the EPA window sticker. Contact your
authorized dealer if the window sticker is not supplied with your vehicle.
The EPA window sticker should be your guide for the fuel economy
comparisons with other vehicles.
It is important to note the box in the lower left corner of the window
sticker. These numbers represent the Range of MPG (L/100 km)
expected on the vehicle under optimum conditions. Your fuel economy
may vary depending upon the method of operation and conditions.
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waxing .....................................242
wheels ......................................243
wiper blades ............................244
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............42
Compass, electronic ....................66 calibration .................................67
set zone adjustment .................66
Console ........................................60
Controls power seat .................................99
steering column ........................72
Coolant checking and adding ......258–260
refill capacities ................263, 281
specifications ..........................281
Cruise control .............................69
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................69
Customer
Assistance ..................231–232, 235
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................49
Dipstick automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................276
engine oil .................................253
Driving under special
conditions ..................194, 196, 199 sand .........................................197
snow and ice ...........................200
through water .................198, 201
E
Electronic message center .........74 Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..................222, 227
Emission control system ..........272
Engine ........................................283 cleaning ...................................243
idle speed control ...................256
lubrication specifications .......281
refill capacities ........................281
service points ..........................250
Engine oil ..................................253 checking and adding ..............253
dipstick ....................................253
filter, specifications ................255
recommendations ...................255
refill capacities ........................281
specifications ..........................281
Event data recording ..................14
Exhaust fumes ..........................185
F
Fluid capacities .........................281
Foglamps .....................................48
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles driving off road .......................195
preparing to drive your
vehicle .....................................190
Fuel ............................................264 calculating fuel
economy ............................75, 269
cap ...........................................266
capacity ...................................281
choosing the right fuel ...........267
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................271
detergent in fuel .....................268
filling your vehicle
with fuel ..................264, 266, 269
filter, specifications ................264
2008 Tribute Hybrid (thv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Index
304