Fuel Economy Factors; Improving Fuel Economy; Vehicle Maintenance; Drive Efficiently - Honda Element Owner's Manual

Fuel Economy Factors

The following factors can lower your
vehicle's fuel economy:
Aggressive driving (hard
●
acceleration and braking)
Excessive idling, accelerating and
●
braking in stop-and-go traffic
Cold engine operation (engines are
●
more efficient when warmed up)
Driving with a heavy load or the air
●
conditioner running
Improperly inflated tires
●

Improving Fuel Economy

Vehicle Maintenance

A properly maintained vehicle
maximizes fuel economy. Poor
maintenance can significantly reduce
fuel economy. Always maintain your
vehicle according to the maintenance
messages displayed on the
information display (see Owner's
Maintenance Checks on page 248).
For example:
Use the recommended viscosity
●
motor oil, displaying the API
Certification Seal (see page 251).
Maintain proper tire inflation －
●
An underinflated tire increases
''rolling resistance,'' which reduces
fuel economy.
Avoid carrying excess weight in
●
your vehicle － It puts a heavier
load on the engine, increasing fuel
consumption.
Keep your vehicle clean － In
●
particular, a build-up of snow or
mud on your vehicle's underside
adds weight and rolling resistance.
Frequent cleaning helps your fuel
economy.
Fuel Economy

Drive Efficiently

Drive moderately － Rapid
●
acceleration, abrupt cornering, and
hard braking increase fuel
consumption.
Observe the speed limit －
●
Aerodynamic drag has a big effect
on fuel economy at speeds above
45 mph (75 km/h). Reduce your
speed and you reduce the drag.
Trailers, car top carriers, roof
racks and bike racks are also big
contributors to increased drag.
Always drive in the highest gear
●
possible － If your vehicle has a
manual transmission, you can
boost your fuel economy by up
shifting as early as possible.
Avoid excessive idling － Idling
●
results in 0 miles per gallon (0 kms
per liter).
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