Driving with an open rear hatch can lead to serious personal injury. If you have to drive with an open
rear hatch, make sure that all objects and the lid itself are properly secured and take appropriate
measures to keep toxic exhaust fumes from entering the vehicle.
.WARNING
Driving with an unlatched or open rear hatch can lead to serious personal injuries.
x Never transport objects larger than those fitting completely into the luggage compartment,
because the rear hatch cannot be closed properly.
x After closing the lid, always pull up on it to make sure that it is properly closed and cannot
open suddenly when the vehicle is moving.
x Always stow all objects securely in the luggage compartment. Loose objects can fall out
of the luggage compartment and injure others on the road behind you.
x Drive CARefully; anticipate what other drivers will do.
x Avoid abrupt or sudden driving or braking maneuvers, because the unlatched rear hatch
can move suddenly.
x Always mark objects sticking out from the luggage compartment clearly for others to see.
Obey all applicable legal requirements.
x Never use the rear hatch to “clamp” or “hold” objects protruding from the luggage
compartment.
x Always remove any luggage rack or other rack mounted on the rear hatch (along with any
luggage on the rack) before driving with an open rear hatch.
.WARNING
Driving with an open rear hatch can cause poisonous CARbon monoxide in the engine
exhaust to get into the passenger compartment.
x CARbon monoxide causes drowsiness, inattentiveness, poisoning, and loss of
consciousness. It can lead to accidents and severe personal injuries.
x Always keep the rear hatch closed while driving to help keep poisonous exhaust fumes
from being drawn into the vehicle.
x Never transport objects that are too large to fit completely into the luggage area, because
then the rear hatch cannot be fully closed.
x If you absolutely must drive with an open rear hatch, do the following to reduce the risk of
CARbon monoxide poisoning:
– Close all windows and the power sunroof.
– Switch off the climate control system's air recirculation feature.
– Open all air vents in the instrument panel.
– Set the fresh air fan to the highest speed.
.NOTICE
The open rear hatch changes the vehicle's length and height.
Driving a loaded vehicle
When driving on the highway or freeway, a constant, moderate speed is more efficient and
economical than constantly accelerating and braking. Usually you can reach your destination just as
quickly by driving at a moderate, but steady speed.
The cruise control system can assist in maintaining a uniform driving style.
Moderate use of extra electrical loads
Comfort inside the vehicle is nice and important, but it is important to use them in an environmentally
conscious manner.
Some devices can increase fuel consumption when activated (examples):
x Climate control system (air conditioner): If the climate control system has to produce starkly
contrasting temperatures, it requires a large amount of energy, which is generated by the engine. The
temperature in the vehicle should therefore not be extremely different from that of the outside
temperature. It may be helpful to ventilate the vehicle before driving and then to drive a short distance
with the windows open. After that, switch on the air conditioner with the windows closed. Keep the
windows closed when driving at high speeds. Open windows increase fuel consumption.
x Switch off seat heating once it has served its purpose.
x Switch off the windshield and rear window defroster as soon as the windows are free of fog and
ice.
Additional factors that increase fuel consumption (examples):
x Malfunctioning engine control.
x Driving in the mountains.
x Towing a trailer.
Fuel-efficient driving
Fig. 249 Fuel consumption at 2 different outside air temperatures.