1997 Toyota Avalon Owners Manual - Page 157

How to save fuel and make your vehicle last longer, too ! 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 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 lenghty 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. S Avoid continuous speeding up and slowing down. Stop-and-go driving wastes fuel. Avoid unnecessary stopping and braking. Maintain a steady pace. Try to time the traffic signals so you only need to stop as little as possible or take advantage of through streets to avoid traffic lights. Keep a proper distance from other vehicles to avoid sudden braking. This will also reduce wear on your brakes. Avoid heavy traffic or traffic jams whenever possible. Do not rest your foot on the clutch or brake pedal. This causes needless wear, overheating and poor fuel economy. Maintain a moderate speed on highways. The faster you drive, the greater the fuel consumption. By reducing your speed, you will cut down on fuel consumption. Keep the front wheels in proper alignment. Avoid hitting the curb and slow down on rough roads. Improper alignment not only causes faster tire wear but also puts an extra load on the engine, which, in turn, wastes fuel. 149 S S S S S