REDUCING FUEL CONSUMPTION
Engine
Maintain the engine in peak mechanical condition by having it serviced regularly in
accordance with the Maintenance schedule in the Service/warranty booklet. This
ensures items such as the spark plugs and the air lter element are maintained for
minimum fuel usage and peak engine performance.
Tyre pressure
Keep the tyres at the recommended pressures. Under-inated tyres create extra rolling
resistance which contributes to increased fuel consumption. Refer to Exterior checks
in chapter 7.
Incorrect tyre pressures can also cause uneven and premature tyre wear.
Wheel alignment
Maintain correct front wheel alignment. Incorrect alignment makes the front wheels
drag, which increases fuel consumption and causes uneven and premature tyre wear.
Warm ups and idling
Avoid long engine warm ups. They are unnecessary and waste fuel. An engine takes
approximately 5 minutes to reach its efcient operating temperature and it does this
most effectively when driving.
Avoid long engine idling. If you have to wait for more than a couple of minutes switch
off the engine to conserve fuel.
Accelerating, driving and braking
Accelerate gently and avoid rapid accelerating from lights or stop signs. Sudden bursts
of speed, full throttle acceleration and hard braking waste fuel.
Drive the vehicle at steady speeds where possible (after running-in). It is desirable to
reach top gear as soon as possible, but under no circumstances should you force the
engine to labour in top gear.
Riding the brake
Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal when you do not intend to brake, as this can
overheat the brakes, increase brake pad wear, damage the brakes and waste fuel.
Air conditioning
Switch off the air conditioner when not required. However, once every 2 weeks, with
the engine running, switch the air conditioner on for 5 to 10 minutes, even in winter, to
lubricate the seals.
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Unnecessary weight increases fuel consumption, especially when accelerating.
5-8
Chapter 5
FUEL
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