07 During your trip
Driving recommendations
07
268
General information
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 tem-
perature 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 vehicle
for driving short distances. This does not
allow the engine to reach normal operating
temperature.
•Drive carefully and avoid rapid acceleration
and hard braking.
•Use the transmission's Drive (D) position
as often as possible and avoid using kick-
down.
•Using the transmission's Sport mode1 may
increase fuel consumption somewhat. Use
the transmission's Drive (D) position as
often as possible. See page 122 for addi-
tional information about Sport mode.
•Do not exceed posted speed limits.
•Avoid carrying unnecessary items (extra
load) in the vehicle.
•Maintain correct tire pressure. Check tire
pressure regularly (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 also fuel con-
sumption.
•At highway driving speeds, fuel consump-
tion will be lower with the air conditioning
on and the windows closed than with the
air conditioning off and the windows open.
•Using the onboard trip computer's fuel
consumption modes can help you learn
how to drive more economically.
Other factors that decrease gas mileage
are:
•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
intervals.
WARNING
Driving with the tailgate open: Driving with
the tailgate open could lead to poisonous
exhaust gases entering the passenger com-
partment. If the 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 win-
dows and the blower control to its high-
est setting.
Weight distribution affects handlingAt the specified curb weight your vehicle has a
tendency to understeer, which means that the
steering wheel has to be turned more than
might seem appropriate for the curvature of a
bend. This ensures good stability and reduces
the risk of rear wheel skid. Remember that
these properties can alter with the vehicle load.
The heavier the load in the cargo area, the less
the tendency to understeer.
Handling, roadholdingVehicle load, tire design and inflation pressure
all affect vehicle handling. Therefore, check
that the tires are inflated to the recommended
pressure according to the vehicle load. See the
"Tire pressure" section. Loads should be dis-
1Models with the T6 turbo engine only.
11 Index
11
377
power operated.................................. 276
wiper/washer...................................... 103
Tailgate wipers......................................... 338
Taillights, changing bulbs........................ 334
Temporary spare tire............................... 305
Three-way catalytic converter................. 274
Tire designations.....................................298
Tire inflation pressure..............................297
Tire Pressure Monitoring System....316, 317
indicator light........................................ 79
Tires.........................................................292
age...................................................... 292
changing from summer to winter........ 293
glossary of terms................................ 300
improving economy............................ 293
inflation pressure................................ 295
inflation pressure table.......................297
load ratings......................................... 296
rotation............................................... 292
Self-supporting run flat tires (SST)..... 318
snow...................................................304
spare................................................... 305
specifications...................................... 296
speed ratings...................................... 296
storing................................................. 294
studded............................................... 304tire pressure monitoring system......... 316
tire sealing system.............................. 306
tread wear indicator............................ 293
uniform tire quality grading................. 303
Tire sealing system.................................. 306
Top tether anchors (child restraint sys-
tems).......................................................... 48
Touching up paint.................................... 354
Towing a trailer................................283, 284
trailer hitch.......................................... 284
Towing the vehicle................................... 286
Traction control........................................ 134
Trailer towing...................................283, 284
trailer hitch.......................................... 284
Transmission
general description.....................121, 122
oil........................................................ 364
shiftlock override................................ 123
Tread wear indicator................................ 293
Trip computer.......................................... 205
Trip odometers.......................................... 82
Trips, long distance................................. 270
Tunnel detection........................................ 97Turn signals............................................... 99
changing bulbs................................... 333
indicator lights...................................... 79
Two-stage booster cushion....................... 49
U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading...................303
Unlocking the tailgate................................ 68
Unlocking the vehicle..........................59, 67
Upholstery care....................................... 352
V
Vanity mirror............................................ 210
changing bulbs................................... 335
Vehicle dimensions.................................. 360
Vehicle Event Data....................................... 9
Vehicle loading................................276, 301
roof loads............................................ 279
Vehicle maintenance................................ 322
performed by the owner.....................323
Vehicle weights........................................ 361
