Saab 2007 owner manual Driving technique, Road conditions

Starting and driving 171

Driving technique

•To obtain the best running economy, not only regarding fuel consumption but gen- eral wear also, regular service is required.

•High speed, unnecessary acceleration, heavy braking and much low gear work all gives rise to higher fuel consumption.

•Frequent gear changing in traffic, starting in cold weather, the use of studded tires and roof racks, and towing a trailer all increase fuel consumption.

•Do not run the engine when the car is sta- tionary.

If idling, it will take much longer before the engine becomes hot. Engine wear is greatest during this warming-up phase. Therefore drive away as soon as possible after the engine is started and avoid high revving.

•Driving in a low gear results in higher fuel consumption than in a high gear because of the higher engine speed for a given road speed. Always change up to a higher gear as soon as traffic conditions allow and use the highest gear as much as pos- sible.

•Check the air pressure in the tires once a month. Incorrect pressures increase tire wear. It is better to have slightly higher pressure than lower.

•Check fuel consumption regularly. Increased consumption can indicate that something is wrong and that the car needs to be checked by a workshop. We recommend that you contact an autho- rized Saab dealer.

Practical trials on the roads have demon- strated that substantial savings in fuel con- sumption can be made if the above advice is heeded.

Road conditions

Wet roads increase fuel consumption, as do unpaved roads and driving in hilly country (the amount of fuel saved driving downhill is less than the additional amount required to climb the hill).

WARNING

Never switch the engine off while driving as the effect of the brakes and power steering will be greatly reduced.