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Fuel Economy Factors
The following factors can lower your
vehicle's fuel economy:
●
Aggressive driving (hard
acceleration and braking)
●
Excessive idling, accelerating and
braking in stop-and-go traffic
●
Cold engine operation (engines are
more efficient when warmed up)
●
Driving with a heavy load or the air
conditioner running
●
Improperly inflated tires
Improving Fuel Economy
Vehicle Maintenance
A properly maintained vehicle
maximizes fuel economy. Poor
maintenance can significantly reduce
fuel economy. Always maintain your
vehicle according to the maintenance
messages displayed on the
information display (see Owner's
Maintenance Checks on page 190).
For example:
●
Use the recommended viscosity
motor oil, displaying the API
Certification Seal (see page 193).
●
Maintain proper tire inflation －
An underinflated tire increases
‘‘rolling resistance,’’ which reduces
fuel economy.
●
Avoid carrying excess weight in
your vehicle － It puts a heavier
load on the engine, increasing fuel
consumption.
●
Keep your vehicle clean － In
particular, a build-up of snow or
mud on your vehicle's underside
adds weight and rolling resistance.
Frequent cleaning helps your fuel
economy.
Drive Efficiently
●
Drive moderately － Rapid
acceleration, abrupt cornering, and
hard braking increase fuel
consumption.
●
Observe the speed limit －
Aerodynamic drag has a big effect
on fuel economy at speeds above
45 mph (75 km/h). Reduce your
speed and you reduce the drag.
Trailers, car top carriers, roof
racks and bike racks are also big
contributors to increased drag.
●
Avoid excessive idling － Idling
results in 0 miles per gallon (0 kms
per liter).
●
Minimize the use of the air
conditioning system － The A/C
puts an extra load on the engine
which makes it use more fuel. Use
the fresh-air ventilation when
possible.
CONTINUED
Fuel Economy
147
Before Driving
10/08/06 08:34:41 11 ELEMENT MMC North America Owner's Man 50 31SCV680 enu
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