7-6 Starting and driving
Observe the following precautions to achieve maxi-
mum fuel economy and to extend tire life.
• When the needle on the coolant temperature
gauge begins to move upward, the engine is
warm enough. Further warming wastes fuel.
• Do not race the engine. This not only wastes
fuel, but also harms the engine.
• Avoid sudden starts, sudden acceleration, and
sudden braking.
• Change gears before engine speed gets too
high (tachometer needle in the red zone).
• To minimize fuel consumption, keep the tachom-
eter needle in the 1,500 to 2,000 rpm range.
• In a vehicle with an automatic transmission, use
overdrive as road conditions permit. This will
increase fuel economy.
• Try to drive at moderate and constant speeds.
Unnecessary acceleration and deceleration
wastes fuel.
• In a vehicle with a manual transmission, do not
leave the exhaust brake switch ON all the time.
Too much use of the exhaust brake reduces fuel
economy. Use the exhaust brake as necessary
depending on road and traffic conditions.
• Always keep the air pressure in tires correctly
adjusted according to the manufacturer’s rec-
ommendations.
• Try to load cargo in a way that minimizes wind
resistance. P. 7-15
• Be sure to perform the daily pretrip inspection
and do periodic checks to make sure the vehicle
is running properly.
Improving fuel economy
Z11319
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