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5-13
Chapter 5
FUEL
REduCIng fuEL ConSumPTIon
EngInE
To keep the engine in peak mechanical condition, have it serviced regularly in
accordance with the maintenance schedule. Refer to Maintenance schedule in the
Service/warranty booklet. This ensures items such as the spark plugs, air cleaner
and engine idle speed are maintained for minimum fuel usage and peak engine
performance.
TyRE PRESSuRE
Keep the tyres at the recommended pressures. Under-inflated tyres create extra
rolling resistance which contributes to increased fuel consumption. Refer to Tyres in
chapter 7.
Incorrect tyre pressures can also cause uneven and premature tyre wear.
WHEEL ALIgnmEnT
Maintain correct front and rear wheel alignment. Incorrect alignment makes the
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 efficient 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 starts. Sudden bursts of speed, full throttle
acceleration and hard braking waste fuel.
Drive the vehicle at steady speeds where possible (after running-in).
Manual transmission: 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 conditioning when not required. However, once every 2 weeks, with
the engine running, switch the air conditioning on for 5 to 10 minutes to lubricate seals
(even in winter).
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