1996 Toyota Avalon Owners Manual - Page 138

How to save fuel and make your vehicle last longer, too S Always place wheel blocks under both the vehicle and trailer wheels when parking. Apply the parking brake firmly. Put the transmission in "P". Avoid parking on a slope with a trailer, but if it cannot be avoided, do so only after performing the following: 1. Apply the brakes and hold. 2. Have someone place wheel blocks under both the vehicle and trailer wheels. 3. When the wheel blocks are in place, release your brakes slowly until the blocks absorb the load. 4. Apply the parking brake firmly. 5. Shift into "P" and turn off the engine. 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 "2", "L" or "R" position. 3. Release the parking brake and brake pedal and slowly pull or back away from the wheels blocks. Stop and apply your brakes. 4. Have someone retrieve the blocks. ! CAUTION S 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. S Slow down and downshift before descending steep or long downhill grades. Do not make sudden downshifts. S Avoid holding the brake pedal down too long or too frequently. This could cause the brakes to overheat and result in reduced braking efficiency. Getting more kilometers/mileage from a liter/gallon of fuel 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: S Keep your tires inflated at the correct pressure. Underinflation causes tire wear and wastes fuel. See Chapter 7-2 for instructions. S Do not carry unneeded weight in your vehicle. Excess weight puts a heavier load on the engine, causing greater fuel consumption. S 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. S Accelerate slowly and smoothly. Avoid jackrabbit starts. S 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. S Avoid engine lug or overrevving. Use a gear position suitable for the road on which you are travelling. 132