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 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 kickdown.
• Using the transmission's Sport mode may increase fuel consumption somewhat. Use the transmission's Drive (D) position as often as possible. See page 117 for additional 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 consumption.
• At highway driving speeds, fuel consumption 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 compartment.
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 windows
and the blower control to its highest
setting.
See also:
Stage 1: Sealing the hole
1. Open the cover on the tire sealing kit.
2. Peel off the speed limit sticker and affix it
to the steering wheel hub where it will be
clearly visible to the driver.
3. Ensure that the on/off sw ...
Fuel Formulations
Do not use gasoline that contains lead as a knock inhibitor, and do not use lead
additives. Besides damaging the exhaust emission control systems on your vehicle,
lead has been strongly linked to ...
Brake lights
The brake lights come on automatically when
the brakes are applied.
Adaptive brake lights
The adaptive brake lights activate in the event
of sudden braking or if the ABS system is activated.
Th ...