2003 Lexus GX 470 Owners Manual - Page 370

DRIVING TIPS When restarting out after parking on a slope: 1. With the transmission in "P" position, start the engine. Be sure to keep the brake pedal depressed. 2. Shift into the "3", "2", "L" or "R" position. 3. Release the parking brake and brake pedal and slowly pull or back away from the wheel blocks. Stop and apply your brakes. 4. Have someone retrieve the blocks. HOW TO SAVE FUEL AND MAKE YOUR VEHICLE LAST LONGER Improving fuel economy 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: D Keep your tires inflated at the correct pressure. Check the pressure every two weeks, or at least once a month. Underinflation causes tire wear and wastes fuel. D Do not carry unneeded weight in your vehicle. Excess weight puts a heavier load on the engine, causing greater fuel consumption. D Avoid lengthy 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. D Always keep the automatic transmission selector lever in the "D" position when engine braking is not required. Driving with the overdrive off will reduce the fuel economy. (For details, see "Automatic transmission" on page 303.) D Accelerate slowly and smoothly. Avoid jackrabbit starts. D 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. D Avoid engine over−revving. Use a gear position suitable for the road on which you are traveling. CAUTION D Do not exceed 72 km/h (45 mph) or the posted towing speed limit, whichever is lower. Because instability (swaying) of a towing vehicle−trailer combination usually increases as the speed increases, exceeding 72 km/h (45 mph) may cause loss of control. D Slow down and downshift before descending steep or long downhill grades. Do not make sudden downshifts. D Avoid holding the brake pedal down too long or too frequently. This could cause the brakes to overheat and result in reduced braking efficiency. 356