184
Starting and driving
to reach its optimum temperature, and
engine wear is at its greatest during this
period. Drive off as soon as possible after
starting the engine and avoid high engine
speeds.
• Drive as smoothly and thoughtfully as
possible. Match your driving to the prevail-
ing traffic conditions.
• Driving in a low gear gives rise to higher
fuel consumption than driving in a high
gear because of the higher engine speed
for any given road speed. Always shift up
as soon as traffic conditions allow and
drive in the highest gear as much as
possible.
• Check the tire pressure once a month.
Incorrect tire pressure increases tire
wear. It is preferable for the tire pressure
to be slightly high than too low. Under-
pressure increases fuel consumption.
• Check the fuel consumption regularly.
Increased fuel consumption can indicate
that something is wrong and that the car
needs to be checked. We recommend
that you contact a Saab dealer.
Practical road tests have demonstrated that
substantial savings in fuel consumption can
be made if the above advice is followed.
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).
Engine block heater
3
If block heater is installed the cord can be
found coiled in the engine compartment.
The following are just some of the benefits
to the car and the environment of using an
engine block heater:
• Lower fuel consumption
• Reduced wear on the engine
• Inside of car warms up faster
• Exhaust emissions substantially reduced
over short runs.
The engine heater is effective at outside
temperatures up to 60–70 °F (+15 –
+20 °C). The warmer it is outside, the
shorter the time the engine heater needs to
be connected.
• If the outside temperature is -22 °F
(-30 °C) the heater needs to be
connected at least 3 h.
• If the outside temperature is -14 °F
(-10 °C) the heater needs to be
connected at least 2 h.
• If the outside temperature is 32 °F (-0 °C)
the heater needs to be connected at least
1.5 h.
To have the heater connected less than
0.5 h is no use but can lead to driveabilitiy
problems.
If the car is equipped with a removable,
electric cabin heater that is not in use, store
this in the trunk.
WARNING
Never switch off the engine while driving
as the effect of the brakes and power
steering will be greatly reduced.
93_US_MY09.book Page 184 Tuesday, April 15, 2008 10:30 AM
