2007 Toyota Highlander Owners Manual - Page 349

'07 HIGHLANDER HV_U (L/O 0608) How to save fuel and make your vehicle last longer CAUTION 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 When parking, be sure to put the transmission into the "P" position. In the "N" position, the gasoline engine operates but electricity cannot be generated. The hybrid battery will be discharged requiring unnecessary engine power to recharge. D 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. D Keep your tires inflated at the correct pressure. Underinflation causes tire wear and wastes fuel. See page 390 in Section 7−2 for instructions. D Avoid heavy traffic or traffic jams whenever possible. D Do not carry unnecessary weight in your vehicle. Excess weight puts a heavier load on the hybrid system, causing greater fuel consumption. D Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal. This causes premature wear, overheating and poor fuel economy. D Slow down and downshift before descending steep or long downhill grades. Do not make sudden downshifts. 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. 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. slowly and Avoid jackrabbit starts. Stop−and−go driving power and fuel. smoothly. D Avoid continuous changes of speed. wastes electric D Keep the front wheels in proper alignment. Avoid hitting curbs and slow down on rough roads. Improper alignment not only causes faster tire wear but also puts an extra load on the hybrid system, which, in turn, wastes fuel. D 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. D Keep the bottom of your vehicle free from mud, etc. This not only lessens weight but also helps prevent corrosion. 335 2007 HIGHLANDER HV from July '06 Prod. (OM48685U)