Nissan Maxima 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.