Efficient Vehicle Operation

Chapter Objectives

• The chapter provides information on how to minimize fuel use, reduce exhaust emissions, check and maintain tires, and maintain a vehicle.

Efficient, Safe, and Economical Vehicle Operation

• Operating vehicles efficiently, safely, and economically is important.
• Controlling fuel and maintenance costs can lead to substantial savings and be more environmentally friendly.
• Exhaust emissions are harmful; driving with economy and vehicle maintenance are critical for optimal efficiency.

Strategies for Economical and Environmentally Responsible Driving

• Driving habits significantly affect fuel usage.
• Fuel-saving habits can improve fuel economy and reduce environmental impact.
• Consider habits related to starting, idling, accelerating, cruising speed, overdrive gear, steering, turning, and braking.

Starting, Idling and Accelerating

• Avoid excessive idling when starting a vehicle.
• Modern vehicles only need a few seconds for fluids and engines to warm up without risk of damage.
• Avoid idling for long periods.
• Vehicles use the most fuel when accelerating.
• Accelerate slowly and smoothly to increase fuel economy and decrease exhaust emissions.
• When possible, pull through parking spots to minimize the number of accelerations from a dead stop.

Cruising Speed and Overdrive Gear

• Vehicles run most efficiently at constant speeds.
• Vehicles achieve maximum fuel economy on highways because of less speed change.
• Maintain adequate space and use cruise control when possible to keep the vehicle moving at a constant speed.
• Some vehicles have advanced cruise control that adjusts speed based on the space ahead.
• Avoid cruise control in rainy or slick conditions.
• Cruise control maintains speed and does not allow slowing by lifting off the accelerator.
• Use overdrive gear unless towing or climbing a steep grade.
• Overdrive gear minimizes engine revolutions and increases fuel economy.

Steering and Turning

• Turning the steering wheel causes the vehicle to change direction and creates friction, slowing the vehicle.
• Avoid unnecessary steering wheel movement.

Braking and Additional Techniques

• When slowing down or stopping, lift off the accelerator early, possibly avoiding brake use.
• Avoid driving at a higher speed and then braking harder than necessary near the stopping point
• Additional fuel-saving techniques include:
  • Looking ahead to minimize speed changes and identify risks.
  • Route planning and combining destinations for more efficient trips.
  • Reducing the number of trips per week.
• Remove roof racks and other attachments to decrease wind resistance and improve mileage.

Tire Safety

• Tires are essential for acceleration, turning, and braking.
• Tires touch the ground and are required for any driving maneuver.
• Tires have two or more layers of cords covered by rubber tread.
• Tire design and construction vary to meet different driving styles and conditions.
• Use high-quality tires with adequate tread and replace when necessary; mixing tire types is not recommended.

Proper Inflation

• Check tire pressure monthly with an accurate gauge, including the spare tire.
• Check tire pressure when tires are cold.
• Carry an accurate tire gauge.
• A 20% underinflation decreases fuel economy and has the same effect on a tire as a 30% increase in speed.
• Inflating tires to recommended pressures for long-distance, high-speed travel increases tread life.
• Find the vehicle's recommended tire pressure in the owner's manual or on a placard on the driver doorjamb, glove box, or fuel filler door.

Tire Tread Depth

• On smooth, clean, dry surfaces, amount of tread doesn't have much of an impact on braking distance and traction.
• On wet surfaces, snow, and mud, tread depth is a critical traction factor.
• Adequate tread depth helps evacuate water from under tires.
• Low tread depth doubles the risk of hydroplaning and increases the likelihood of blowouts.
• Bald tires are twice as likely to go flat as new tires.
• To check tread depth, use a quarter. If part of Washington's head is always covered, the tires have more than 4/32" of tread depth and are safe.
• Replace tires if the top of Washington's head is exposed.

How to Purchase Tires

• Research tires thoroughly before buying.
• Do not only base your purchase decision on cost; consider quality, tread life, and temperature and traction ratings.
• Quality and safety are the most important factors when buying tires.

Vehicle Maintenance and Prevention

• Vehicles are significant investments that should be maintained to keep them safe and reliable.
• Maintain the vehicle according to the manufacturer's specifications and look out for signs that something is not working properly.
• Repair issues before major breakdowns occur; prevent problems before they occur.

Under the Hood

• Regular maintenance may require checking:
  • Engine coolant reservoir (radiator fluid)
  • Windshield washer fluid reservoir.
  • Power-steering fluid reservoir.
  • Drive belts.
  • Engine-oil filler cap.
  • Engine-oil dipstick.
  • Transmission-fluid dipstick (if equipped).
  • Brake fluid reservoir.
  • Battery cable connections.
  • Air-filter assembly
• Failure to conduct these checks can lead to unsafe operating conditions and costly repairs.
• Consult the owner's manual to verify what components should be inspected.
• Perform these checks at least once a month or as recommended in the owner's manual.

Vehicle Systems

• Familiarize yourself with vehicle systems to monitor and detect when something is not operating properly.
• Vehicle maintenance focuses on various systems.

Key Information for Effective Maintenance

• Exhaust System:
  • Minimize tailpipe emissions.
  • Check the exhaust pipe, catalytic converter, muffler, and tailpipe for pinholes, rust, and looseness.
  • A leaking muffler can allow carbon monoxide to enter the vehicle.
• Lubricating System:
  • Engine oil serves two purposes: It lubricates, and it cools.
  • Follow the vehicle's owner's manual regarding regular lubrication, filter changes, and the grade and weight of oil to use.
• Cooling System:
  • Ensures the engine temperature is controlled for maximum efficiency.
  • Too much heat can destroy an engine, and too little robs it of power and fuel economy.
• Electrical System:
  • Electrical system failures are the most common cause of breakdowns.
  • Regular maintenance can prevent electrical system problems.
• Braking System:
  • Essential for safety.
  • How well the brakes work and how much they wear depends on driving habits.
  • Address potential brake system issues immediately.
• Tires:
  • Uneven tire wear indicates that the wheels need to be aligned or balanced.
  • Steering wheel vibrations suggest the wheels need to be balanced.
  • Excessive wear of tread edges can indicate underinflation.
• Wipers and Bulbs:
  • Ensuring your wiper blades and light bulbs function properly to see and be seen is critical for safety.
  • Replace wiper blades and check turn signals, flashers, brake lights, headlights, and taillights at least each month.

Trusted Service Centers and Maintenance Checklist

• Finding a trusted vehicle maintenance and repair facility is a good idea.
• Such centers can handle routine service needs, including regularly checking vehicle systems.
• People who drive an average of 12,000 miles a year should take 15 minutes each month to check various items affecting safety and efficiency.

What to Check

• Daily:

  • Window: Check for cracks, scratches, dirt, pits.
  • Brakes: Listen for pedal pressure/travel and any squeaking sounds..
  • Exhaust: Listen for noise and check for fumes and leaks..
  • Steering: Check for steering wheel play, stiffness in steering..
  • Lights: Look for dirty lens, burned out bulbs, alignment..

• Weekly:

  • Tires (including spare tire): Check for air pressure, cuts, tread wear, alignment..
  • Items under the hood: Check fluids, hoses, belts, filters, connections.

• Monthly:

  • Wipers: Wiper blade condition and washer fluid level..

• Annually:

  • Suspension: Check for excessive bouncing, leaning, swaying..

• Properly care for all other vehicle systems according to the manufacturer's specifications and schedule.

• Note that maintenance intervals may vary with different makes and models.

• Read the owner's manual carefully, and follow the maintenance schedule for a specific vehicle and driving habits to help reduce costly repairs, increase fuel economy, and emit less harmful exhaust.

• The less the vehicle is maintained, the less reliable it will be, and the more the vehicle will cost you in the long run.