2003 Toyota 4Runner Owners Manual - Page 1001

'03 4Runner_U (L/O 0301) 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 Accelerate slowly and smoothly. Avoid jackrabbit starts. Get into high gear as quickly as possible. a long wait and you are not in traffic, it is better to turn off the engine and start again later. D Avoid long engine idling. If you have 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 328 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 Do not carry unneeded weight in your vehicle. Excess weight puts a heavier load on the engine, causing greater fuel consumption. D Avoid continuous speeding up and slowing down. wastes fuel. Stop-and-go driving 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 Avoid D Put the selector lever into the "D" when engine braking is not required. 5-speed automatic transmission-Driving with the selector lever in "4" will reduce the fuel economy. (For details, see "Automatic transmission (5-speed)" on page 127 in Section 1-6.) 4-speed automatic transmission-Driving with the selector lever in "3" will reduce the fuel economy. (For details, see "Automatic transmission (4-speed)" on page 132 in Section 1-6.) 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 brake pedal. This causes premature wear, overheating and poor fuel economy. 271 2003 4RUNNER from JAN. '03 Prod. (OM35806U)