Nissan Altima (L33) 2013-2018 Owners Manual: 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