Saab 2006 9-2 User Manual

Page 181

Starting and operating

7-9

– CONTINUED –

¢ Shifting speeds

q Recommended shifting speeds
The best compromise between fuel econ-

omy and vehicle performance during nor-

mal driving is ensured by shifting up at the

speeds listed in the following table.

q Maximum allowable speeds
The following table shows the maximum

speeds that are possible with each differ-

ent gear.

Never exceed the speed limit listed in the

following table for each gear position ex-

cept for brief acceleration in an emergen-

cy. The tachometer’s needle will enter the

red area if these speeds are exceeded.

Failure to observe this precaution can

lead to excessive engine wear and poor

fuel economy.

Non-turbo models

mph (km/h)

Turbo

models

mph (km/h)

¢ Driving tips

Do not drive with your foot resting on the

clutch pedal and do not use the clutch to

hold your vehicle at a standstill on an up-

Do not drive the vehicle with the

clutch disengaged (i.e., when the

clutch pedal is depressed) or with

the shift lever in the neutral posi-

tion. Engine braking has no effect in

either of these conditions and the

risk of an accident is consequently

increased.

Shift into reverse ONLY when the

vehicle has completely stopped. It

may cause damage to the transmis-

sion to try shifting into reverse

when the vehicle is moving.

Shift up

mph (km/h)

1st to 2nd

15 (24)

2nd to 3rd

25 (40)

3rd to 4th

40 (65)

4th to 5th

45 (73)

1st

31 (50)

2nd

52 (84)

3rd

76 (120)

1st

34 (54)

2nd

59 (95)

3rd

85 (136)

When shifting down a gear, ensure

that the vehicle is not travelling at a

speed exceeding the Maximum Al-

lowable Speed for the gear which is

about to be selected. Failure to ob-

serve this precaution can lead to en-

gine over-revving and this in turn

can result in engine damage.
In addition, sudden application of

engine brakes when the vehicle is

travelling on a slippery surface can

lead to wheel locking; as a conse-

quence, control of the vehicle may

be lost and the risk of an accident in-

creased.

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