Actions That Contradict Fuel Savings

Speeding = Higher Fuel Consumption
Engine Idling = Higher Fuel Consumption
Unnecessary Braking = Higher Fuel Consumption

Moved – Stopped Actions = Higher Fuel Consumption
Surging when moving off (Jackrabbit) = Higher Fuel Consumption

Quirky (sticky) pedal may cause over-accelerations = Higher Fuel Consumption
Repeated Accelerate – Decelerate Actions on the move = Higher Fuel Consumption
Under-powered engine will require harder accelerations to move = Higher Fuel Consumption

General Fuel Saving Tips

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:

• Keep your tires inflated at the correct pressure. Under-inflation causes tire wear and wastes fuel.
• Do not carry unneeded weight in your vehicle. Excess weight puts a heavier load on the engine, causing greater fuel consumption.
• Avoid lengthy warm-up idling. Once the engine is running smoothly, begin driving – but gently.
• Put the selector gear into the “D” when engine braking is not required. Driving in “D” position will enhance fuel economy.
• Accelerate slowly and smoothly. Avoid jackrabbit starts. Get into high gear as quickly as possible.
• Avoid long engine idling. If you have a long wait and you are not in traffic, it is better to turn off the engine and start later.
• Avoid engine jugging or over-revving. Use a gear position suitable for the road on which you are traveling.
• Avoid continuous speeding up and slowing down. Stop-and-go driving wastes fuel.
• 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.
• Avoid heavy traffic or traffic jams whenever possible
• Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal. This causes premature wear, overheating and poor fuel economy.
• 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.
• Keep the front wheels in proper alignment. Avoid hitting the curb and slow down on rough roads and humps. Improper alignment not only causes faster tire wear but also puts an extra load on the engine, which in turn, wastes fuel.
• Keep the bottom of your vehicle free from mud, etc. This not only lessens weight but also helps prevent corrosion.
• Keep your vehicle tuned-up and in top shape. A dirty air cleaner, improper valve clearance, dirty plugs, dirty oil and grease, brakes not adjusted, etc. all lower engine performance and contribute to poor fuel economy. For longer life of all parts and lower operating costs, keep all maintenance works on schedule, and if you often drive under severe conditions, see that your vehicle receives more frequent maintenance.

To simplify fuel saving actions, X-Gold recommends F I R - C G B
Focus on Driving – Avoid Idling & Engine Roar – Maintain Cruising – Glide before stopping – Avoid Braking

Maintenance Facts

X-Gold recommends servicing according to the maintenance schedule.

Regular maintenance is essential to aid:

• Vehicle performance
• Long vehicle life
• Driving enjoyment
• Safety
• Reliability
• Warranty coverage
• Compliance with government regulations
  

Recommended Viscosity (SAE)

If you use SAE 10W-30 or higher viscosity engine oil in extremely low temperatures, the engine may become difficult to start, so SAE 5W-30 engine oil is recommended.

Oil Identification Marks

Either or both API registered marks are added to some oil containers to help you select the oil you should use.

The API Service Symbol is located anywhere on the outside of the container. The top portion of the label shows the oil quality by API (American Petroleum Institute) designations such as SM. The centre portion of the label shows the SAE viscosity grade such as SAE 10W-30. “Energy-Conserving” shown in the lower portion, indicates that the oil has fuel saving capabilities.

The ILSAC (International Lubricant Standardization and Approval Committee) Certification Mark is displayed on the front of the container.

Facts About engine oil consumption

Functions of Engine Oil
Engine oil has the primary functions of lubricating and cooling the inside of the engine, and plays a major role in maintaining the engine in proper working order

Engine Oil Consumption
It is normal that an engine should consume some engine oil during normal engine operation. The causes of oil consumption in a normal engine are as follows:

• Oil is used to lubricate pistons, piston rings and cylinders. A thin film of oil is left on the cylinder wall when a piston moves downwards in the cylinder.
• High negative pressure generated when the vehicle is decelerating sucks some of this oil into the combustion chamber.
• This oil as well as some part of the oil film left on the cylinder wall is burned by the high temperature combustion gases during the combustion process.
• Oil is also used to lubricate the stems of the intake valves.
• Some of this oil is sucked into the combustion chamber together with the intake air and is burned along with the fuel.
• High temperature exhaust gases also burn the oil used to lubricate the exhaust valve stems.
• The amount of engine oil consumed depends on the viscosity of the oil, the quality of the oil and the conditions the vehicle is driven under.
• More oil is consumed by high-speed driving and frequent acceleration and deceleration.
• A new engine consumes more oil, since its pistons, piston rings and cylinder walls have not become conditioned.

Oil Consumption:
Max 1.0L per 1000 km (1.1 qt/600 miles, 0.9 imp.Qt./600 miles)

• When judging the amount of oil consumption, note that the oil may become diluted and make it difficult to judge the true level accurately.
• As an example, if a vehicle is used for repeated short trips, and consumes a normal amount of oil, the dipstick may not show any drop in oil level at all, even after 1000km (600 miles) or more. This is because the oil is gradually becoming diluted with fuel or moisture, making it appears that the oil level has not changed.
• The diluting ingredients evaporate out when the vehicle is then driven at high speeds, as on expressway, making it appear that the oil is excessively consumed after driving at high speeds.
  

Importance of Engine Oil Level Check

• One of the most important points in proper vehicle maintenance is to keep the engine oil at the optimum level so that oil function will not be impaired. Therefore, it is essential that the oil levels be checked regularly. It is recommended to check the oil level every time you refuel the vehicle.
• Failure to check the oil level regularly could lead to serious engine trouble due to in sufficient oil
  

Assimilations

Lubrication of Graphite:
Our common pencil leads are made of Graphite. Rub some lead between 2 fingers and feel the smoothness.

Pre-Trip Safety Check

It is a good idea to do a safety check before starting out on a trip. A few minutes of checking can help ensure safe and pleasant driving. Just a basic familiarity with your vehicle is required and a careful eye!

Before Starting The Engine
Outside the vehicle
Tires: Check the pressure with a gauge and look carefully for cuts, damage, or excessive wear.
Wheel nuts: Make sure no nuts are missing or loose.
Fluid leaks: After the vehicle has been parked for awhile, check underneath for leaking fuel, oil, water, or fluid. (Water dripping from the air conditioning is normal.)
Lights: Make sure the headlights, stop lights, tail lights, turn signals and other lights are all working. Check the headlight aim.

Inside the vehicle
Make sure you have the spare tire, jack and wheel nut wrench are in place.
Check the spare tire pressure.
Seat belts: Check that the buckles lock securely. Make sure the belts are not worn or frayed.
Instruments and controls: Especially make sure the service reminder indicators, instrument lights, and defrosters are working.
Brakes: Make sure the pedal has enough clearance.

In the engine compartment
Spare fuses: Make sure you have spare fuses. They should cover all the amperage ratings designated on the fuse box lid.
Coolant level: Make sure the coolant level is correct
Battery and cables: All the battery cells should be filled to the proper level with distilled water. Look for corroded or loose terminals or a cracked case. Check the cables for good condition and connections.
Wiring: Look for damaged, loose, or disconnected wires.
Fuel lines: Check the lines for leaks or loose connections.

After Starting The Engine
Exhaust system: Listen for any leakage. Have any leaks fixed immediately.
Engine oil level: Stop the engine and check the dip-stick with the vehicle parked on a level spot.

While Driving
Instruments: Make sure the speedometer and gauges are working.
Brakes: In a safe place, check that the brakes do not pull to one side when applied.
Anything unusual: Look for loose parts and leaks. Listen for abnormal noises.

IF EVERYTHING LOOKS FINE, SET YOUR MIND AT EASE AND ENJOY YOUR TRIP!

Tips For Driving In Various Conditions

• Always slow down in gusty crosswinds. This will allow you much better control.
• Drive slowly onto curbs and, if possible, at a right angle. Avoid driving onto high, sharp-edged objects and other road hazards. Failure to do so can lead to severe tire damage such as a tire burst.
  Drive slowly when passing over bumps or traveling on a bumpy road. Otherwise, the impact could cause severe damage to the tires and/or wheels.
• When parking on a hill, turn the front wheels until they touch the curb so that the vehicle will not roll. Apply the parking brake, and place the transmission in “P”. If necessary, block the wheels.
• Washing your vehicle or driving through deep water may get the brakes wet. To see whether they are wet, check that there is no traffic near you, and then press the pedal lightly. If you do not feel a normal braking force, the brakes are probably wet. To dry them, drive the vehicle cautiously while lightly pressing the brake pedal with the parking brake applied. If they still do not work safely, pull to the side of the road and call a Toyota dealer for assistance.
• Always check your brakes for effectiveness immediately after driving across sand, mud, water or snow.
• Before driving off, make sure the parking brake is fully released and the parking brake reminder light is off.
• Do not leave your vehicle unattended while engine is running.
• Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal while driving. It can cause dangerous overheating, needless wear, and poor fuel economy.
• To drive down a long or steep hill, reduce your speed and downshift. Remember, if you ride the brakes excessively, they may overheat and not work properly.
• Be careful when accelerating, up-shifting, downshifting or braking on a slippery surface. Sudden acceleration or engine braking could cause the vehicle to skid or spin.
• Do not continue normal driving when the brakes are wet. If they are wet, your vehicle will require a longer stopping distance, and it may pull to one side when the brakes are applied. Also, the parking brake will not hold the vehicle securely.