2004 Toyota Matrix Owners Manual - Page 208

'04 MATRIX_U (L/O 0307) How to save fuel and make your vehicle last longer D Slow down and downshift before descending steep or long downhill grades. Do not make sudden downshifts. 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 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 holding the brake pedal down too long or too frequently. This could cause the brakes to overheat and result in reduced braking efficiency. D Keep your tires inflated at the correct pressure. Underinflation causes tire wear and wastes fuel. See page 264 in Section 7−2 for instructions. D Avoid engine lugging or over−revving. Use a gear position suitable for the road on which you are travelling. D Avoid continuous speeding up and slowing down. wastes fuel. Stop−and−go driving D Do not carry unneeded weight in your vehicle. Excess weight puts a heavier load on the engine, causing greater fuel consumption. D Avoid 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 Keep the automatic transmission overdrive turned on when engine braking is not required. Driving with the overdrive off will reduce the fuel economy. (For details, see "Automatic transmission" on page 99 in Section 1−7.) slowly and smoothly. Avoid jackrabbit starts. Get into high gear as quickly as possible. 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. whenever possible. D Avoid heavy traffic or traffic jams D Do not rest your foot on the clutch or brake pedal. This causes premature wear, overheating and poor fuel economy. D Accelerate D 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. 208 2004 MATRIX from Oct. '03 Prod. (OM12861U)