2013 Nissan Pathfinder Owner's Manual - Page 388

FUEL EFFICIENT DRIVING TIPS Follow these easy-to-use Fuel Efficient Driving Tips to help you achieve the most fuel economy from your vehicle. 1. Use Smooth Accelerator and Brake Pedal Application ● Avoid rapid starts and stops ● Use smooth, gentle accelerator and brake application whenever possible ● Maintain constant speed while commuting and coast whenever possible 2. Maintain Constant Speed ● Look ahead to try and anticipate and minimize stops ● Synchronizing your speed with traffic lights allows you to reduce your number of stops ● Maintaining a steady speed can minimize red light stops and improve fuel efficiency 3. Use Air Conditioning (A/C) at Higher Vehicle Speeds ● Below 40 MPH (64 km/h), it is more efficient to open windows to cool the vehicle due to reduced engine load ● Above 40 MPH (64 km/h), it is more efficient to use A/C to cool the vehicle due to increased aerodynamic drag ● Recirculating the cool air in the cabin when the A/C is on reduces cooling load 4. Drive at Economical Speeds and Distances ● Observing the speed limit and not exceeding 60 MPH (97 km/h) (where legally allowed) can improve fuel efficiency due to reduced aerodynamic drag ● Maintaining a safe following distance behind other vehicles reduces unnecessary braking ● Safely monitoring traffic to anticipate changes in speed permits reduced braking and smooth acceleration changes ● Select a gear range suitable to road conditions. 5. Use Cruise Control ● Using cruise control during highway driving helps maintain a steady speed ● Cruise control is particularly effective in providing fuel savings when driving on flat terrains 6. Plan for the Shortest Route ● Utilize a map or navigation system to determine the best route to save time 7. Avoid Idling ● Shutting off your engine when safe for stops exceeding 30-60 seconds saves fuel and reduces emissions 8. Buy an Automated Pass for Toll Roads ● Automated passes permit drivers to use special lanes to maintain cruising speed through the toll and avoid stopping and starting 9. Winter Warm Up ● Limit idling time to minimize impact to fuel economy ● Vehicles typically need no more than 30 seconds of idling at start-up to effectively circulate the engine oil before driving ● Your vehicle will reach its ideal operating temperature more quickly while driving versus idling 10. Keeping your Vehicle Cool ● Park your vehicle in a covered parking area or in the shade whenever possible ● When entering a hot vehicle, opening the windows will help to reduce the inside temperature faster, resulting in reduced demand on your A/C system Starting and driving 5-21