Driving Tips - Volvo 9700 Manual

Driving tips

Safe driving
• Check that instruments are indicating
normal values after starting, and
check regularly while driving.
• Never race a cold engine. A warm
engine and transmission uses less
fuel than a cold one.
• Avoid idling for any longer periods of
time since it uses up a considerable
amount of fuel.
• Never cover the radiator. The
thermostat maintains a constant
temperature regardless of external
conditions.
• Do not drive the bus until the warning
lamps have gone out, since the
brake system needs the correct air
pressure to work properly.
• Do not leave the bus without
applying the parking brake.
• If one of the front wheels is blocked
sideways, never try to force it to turn
by applying excessive force to the
steering wheel since it may cause
damage to the oil pump.
• While driving downhill and during
gradual braking, use the retarder
function. Failure to do so leads to
increased wear on the brake linings.
Economy driving
• Smooth driving results in increased
road safety, satisfied passengers,
lower fuel consumption and less
wear to the bus.
• Drive according to the recommended
values in the turbo pressure gauge
and tachograph to obtain the highest
fuel efficiency.
• If the tyre pressure is too low, it
causes an increase in rolling drag,
and therefore in fuel consumption!
• An idling or cold engine, as well as
transmission and electrical
equipment, use up a considerable
amount of fuel! Turn off the engine
while the bus is parked.
• Try to warm up the engine as quickly
as possible. A warm engine uses
less fuel than a cold one.
• Turn off any electrical equipment that
is not needed while parked.
• Erratic driving and high speed
increases the fuel consumption
considerably. Keep your distance to
the vehicles in front for smoother
driving. Do not drive too fast.
Driving tips
• Fully depressing the accelerator
pedal and making the gearbox
change down, kick-down, also uses
extra fuel. Choose the right moment
to change gear depending on the
acceleration. Make smooth, soft gear
changes.
• Forceful acceleration and late
braking cause both poor driving
economy and passenger comfort.
Accelerate smoothly and calmly
when starting from a standstill with
attention to the traffic situation.
Release the accelerator early and let
the speed reduce gradually.
• Always use the retarder function. The
wheel brakes can become
overheated following prolonged
braking, on downhill slopes, which
leads to increased wear on brake
linings.
• The air system is also powered by
fuel. To economise, use the door
brake at bus stop; only use kneeling
while passengers board and leave
the bus; do not pump the brake
pedal.
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