2009 Jeep Patriot Owner's Manual - Page 262

260 STARTING AND OPERATING Recommended Shift Speeds To use your manual transaxle for optimal fuel economy, it should be upshifted as listed in the following table. Manual Transaxle Recommended Shift Speeds Units in mph (km/h) AccelEngine eration 1 to 2 2 to 3 3 to 4 4 to 5 Size Rate All En- Accel 14 (23) 23 (37) 29 (47) 45 (72) gines Cruise 12 (19) 18 (29) 25 (40) 32 (52) Downshifting Proper downshifting will improve fuel economy and prolong engine life. CAUTION! If you skip more than one gear while downshifting or downshift at too high a vehicle speed, you could damage the engine, transmission, or clutch. To maintain a safe speed and prolong brake life, shift down to 2nd or 1st gear when descending a steep grade. When turning a corner or driving up a steep grade, downshift early so that the engine will not be overburdened. AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE - IF EQUIPPED NOTE: The Continuously Variable Automatic Transaxle (CVT) changes ratios in a continuous manner. This may sometimes "feel" as if it is slipping, but this is normal and does not harm anything.