Volvo FM Handbook page 139

128 Driving
acceleration is wasted by braking again. Use
down hill sections by completely releasing the
accelerator. Use the momentum of the vehicle
when road conditions allow you to do so.
10 Engine braking. On gentle downgrades, the
engine brake could brake too much and thus give
an unwanted effect. To obtain the best fuel
consumption, such "unnecessary" braking should
be avoided. Please note that there is a middle
position on the accelerator, which neither gives
engine power nor engine braking.
11 Choose tyres carefully. Radial tyres have lower
rolling resistance. The correct tyre pressure
reduces friction and wears the tyres less.
12 Check the front wheel alignment regularly and
axle angles on both the tractor and the trailer. The
correct values always give lower rolling
resistance and lower fuel consumption.
13 Do not use a higher canopy than necessary.
Always tension the canopy and tarpaulins tightly.
Also remember that advertising signs, roof racks
etc. give higher fuel consumption.
14 Volvo's spoiler package gives lower fuel
consumption if it is correctly adjusted.
15 Correct maintenance keeps the truck in good
trim, which keeps fuel consumption down.
Some advice for driving
1 Make a check after starting, and occasionally
when driving, that the instruments show normal
values. If a warning lamp lights up when driving,
stop and check the reason.
2 Starting always start in 1st gear or crawler gear
with as low engine speed as possible (700–800
rpm).
3 Never race a cold engine! Avoid long periods of
idling.
4 Never cover the radiator! Check the coolant
level regularly and always use the correct
coolant. Also check the hoses and belt tension.
Note!
It is not permitted to shift between
HIGH and LOW range while
reversing. First shift to HIGH or
LOW range, then engage reverse.