2015 Nissan Xterra Owner's Manual - Page 271
2015 Nissan Xterra Manual
Page 271 highlights
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. 5-22 Starting and driving