1. Maintain engine coolant temperature between 85-95℃. This temperature range offers the highest thermal efficiency and minimizes fuel consumption.
2. Avoid idling or running the engine at idle speed. Turn off the engine if the vehicle is stopped for more than 5 minutes.
3. Operate under full load whenever possible. If the load is insufficient, use a high gear and low throttle. Avoid overloading.
4. Do not arbitrarily lengthen or change the direction of the exhaust pipe to avoid increasing exhaust resistance.
5. Prevent fuel leaks. Regularly test engine fuel consumption and install a fuel level calibrator. Consider using hydraulic brakes or installing a return fuel line.
6. Conduct a thorough inspection and maintenance before operation to prevent operation with malfunctions. The drive pulleys of agricultural implements should be matched with the grooved pulleys of the V-belt to prevent slippage and increased fuel consumption.
7. Select the appropriate operating gear to ensure complete combustion of fuel. Use the economical throttle position, ensuring the engine does not emit black smoke. If the engine emits black smoke, downshift appropriately. 8. Master the technique of shifting gears using both feet on the clutch to avoid shifting while the vehicle is stopped. Avoid sudden acceleration or deceleration while driving.
9. Minimize brake use to reduce power consumption. Select the correct towing load; avoid overloading, using a heavy-duty engine for a light load, or driving empty.
10. Maintain high tire pressure. Tire inflation pressure should be 1-1.5 kg/cm² higher than the recommended value, but do not exceed the maximum pressure.
11. Select appropriate tire pressure and size. The tire pressure for a Dongfeng-12 hand-operated tow truck should be 1.6-2 kg/cm². It is best to use drive tires with a cross-section width greater than their height.
12. Fill the engine oil to near the dipstick mark, but do not exceed it.
13. Regularly maintain the air filter; do not cover the air filter with cloth or other debris.
14. Correctly adjust the clearances of rotating parts and the towing equipment, including the traction clearance. 15. New machines or machines that have undergone major repairs should be run-in according to regulations; use lubricating oil correctly, and use lubricating oil of different viscosities in winter and summer.
