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S Slow down and downshift before
descending steep or long downhill
grades. Do not make sudden down-
shifts.
S Avoid holding the pedal down too
long or too frequently. This could
cause the brakes to overheat and
result in reduced braking efficien-
cy.
Getting more kilometers/mileage from a li-
ter/gallon of fuel is easy−just take it easy.
It will help make your vehicle last longer,
too. Here are some specific tips on how to
save money on both fuel and repairs:
S Keep your tires inflated at the cor-
rect pressure. Underinflation causes
tire wear and wastes fuel. See Chapter
7−2 for instructions.
S Do not carry unneeded weight in
your vehicle. Excess weight puts a
heavier load on the engine, causing
greater fuel consumption.
S Avoid lenghty warm−up idling.
Once the engine is running smoothly,
begin driving—but gently. Remember,
however, that on cold winter days this
may take a little longer.
S Accelerate slowly and smoothly.
Avoid jackrabbit starts. Get into high
gear as quickly as possible.
S Avoid long engine idling. If you have
a long wait and you are not in traffic, it
is better to turn off the engine and start
again later.
S Avoid engine lug or overrevving.
Use a gear position suitable for the
road on which you are travelling.
S Avoid continuous speeding up and
slowing down. Stop−and−go driving
wastes fuel.
S Avoid unnecessary stopping and
braking. Maintain a steady pace. Try
to time the traffic signals so you only
need to stop as little as possible or take
advantage of through streets to avoid
traffic lights. Keep a proper distance
from other vehicles to avoid sudden
braking. This will also reduce wear on
your brakes.
S Avoid heavy traffic or traffic jams
whenever possible.
S Do not rest your foot on the clutch
or brake pedal. This causes needless
wear, overheating and poor fuel econ-
omy.
S Maintain a moderate speed on
highways. The faster you drive, the
greater the fuel consumption. By re-
ducing your speed, you will cut down
on fuel consumption.
S Keep the front wheels in proper
alignment. Avoid hitting the curb and
slow down on rough roads. Improper
alignment not only causes faster tire
wear but also puts an extra load on the
engine, which, in turn, wastes fuel.
How to save fuel and make
your vehicle last longer, too
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