Jaguar S-Type. Service manual — part 33

Driving Information

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Driving Information

GENERAL DRIVING
INFORMATION

!

WARNING:

Make sure the parkbrake is on and the
gear selector is in position P or N
before attempting to start the engine.

Before driving off, check the gauges and
warning indicators and messages. Take
special note of any warning indicator that
is illuminated.

Seat belts are provided for your safety
and it is unwise, and in certain countries
illegal, to commence any journey,
however short, without wearing them.

In prolonged high speed conditions
above 30°C (86°F) ambient temperature,
the vehicle’s maximum quoted speed
may not be achievable.

Warming Up

Do not operate the engine at high speed
when first started, but allow time for the
engine to warm up and the oil to circulate.

Engine Braking on Downhill Gradients

When driving on mountain roads with long
downhill gradients, it is advisable to select
a low gear.

Use of Headlamps in Daylight

When visibility is poor, the headlamps
with dipped beam setting should be
switched on so that the vehicle may be
seen more easily by other road users. The
instrument illumination dimmer control
adjusts the brightness of the panel
lighting.

Engine oil consumption

A certain amount of oil consumption is
normal. The rate of consumption will
depend on the following:
• The quality and viscosity of the oil.
• The amount of oxidation and dilution

of the oil.

• Climatic conditions.
• The speed at which the engine is

being operated.

• Road conditions.

Drivers should expect above normal
consumption when the engine is new, and
after running-in if high speeds are
sustained.

BREAKING-IN

By observing the following advisory
precautions you will ensure maximum
engine, transmission and brake life for
your vehicle:
• Allow the engine to warm up

thoroughly before operating at engine
speeds over 3 500 rev/min.

• Vary the speed frequently.
• From 1 500 km (940 miles) onwards,

gradually increase performance of the
vehicle up to the permitted maximum
speed.

Brakes

To make sure that the brake pads can
bed-in evenly and reach their optimum
wear and performance condition, usually
within 480 km (300 miles), the following
points are recommended:
• Where possible, avoid heavy braking

or rough usage of the brakes, as this
can result in damage being caused to
the brake pads and discs.

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• Avoid prolonged use of the brakes; for

example, when descending severe
gradients.

• Frequent light application of the

brakes is desirable. This helps to fully
bed-in the brake pads before the
normal breaking-in period is
completed and the vehicle is operated
at high speeds, when maximum brake
efficiency will be required.

The above equally applies when new
discs or pads have been fitted.

Automatic transmission

To allow the automatic transmission to
uniquely adapt to the vehicle, the
transmission should be operated in
normal mode (i.e. Sport mode switch not
illuminated) for the first 800 km (500
miles).

Final drive unit

During the first 1 500 km (940 miles) and if
at any time a new final drive unit is fitted:
• Avoid full throttle applications and do

not exceed 190 km/h (120 mph).
Observe the national speed limits in
the country in which you are travelling.

• Do not participate in motor racing

events, test track days, sports driving
schools or similar.

• Avoid towing during breaking-in

period.

WINTER DRIVING

Freeing a frozen door lock

Caution: Do not apply a proprietary
lock de-icer through the keyhole.

Should the lock become frozen, warm the
end of the key before use.

Windshield wiper blades

Before driving away, clear any ice from
the windshield and check that the wiper
blades are free. Switching on the heated
screen will accelerate this process.

Frost precautions

The correct concentration of coolant must
be maintained at all times when
replenishing or refilling the cooling
system.

TOURING

Foreign travel

Before planning foreign travel, check with
a motoring organisation to make sure that
your vehicle will comply with legal
requirements of the countries you intend
to visit.

It is advisable to carry vital spare parts to
ensure serviceability in a remote area.

International motoring organisations are
helpful for all aspects of long distance
touring advice.

In some countries it is a legal requirement
to carry spare vehicle bulbs.

First aid kit

A first aid kit is compulsory equipment in
certain countries. Your Jaguar Dealer can
supply a first aid kit.

Fire extinguishers

Many countries make it compulsory to
carry a fire extinguisher. Your Jaguar
Dealer can supply and fit one, see page
183.

Fuel in containers

Some countries forbid the carrying of fuel
in containers, as do most ferry and
hovercraft operators.

Driving Information

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Cellular radio telephones

Ask your motoring organisation about the
use of cellular radio telephones before
travelling abroad, as some countries
exercise controls on the importation and
use of such equipment.

Roof rack

The Jaguar approved roof rack should be
used.

The maximum load, including the weight
of the roof rack, must not exceed the load
rating indicated on the roof rack bars and
must be deducted from the vehicle
maximum luggage load. Do not exceed
the roof load capacity (refer to page 222).

When carrying items on the roof, make
sure the load is distributed evenly. It is
advisable to place heavier items as low in
the vehicle as possible. Make sure items
placed on the roof do not obstruct the
sunroof.

Always make sure that items are securely
fastened to the roof rack or load carrier, to
avoid the load from shifting.

Loads on the roof rack may affect vehicle
handling, especially in crosswinds or
when cornering. Where possible, avoid
heavy braking and sudden acceleration.

Jaguar warning triangle

A warning triangle to give traffic advanced
notice of a disabled vehicle is compulsory
in many countries. A triangle, designed to
international standards, is standard
equipment in certain countries.

Hazard warning indicators must be used
with the warning triangle.

The warning triangle with its stand legs
folded flat, is mounted on the inside of the
luggage compartment lid.

In an emergency, remove the triangle and
unfold its stand legs. Place the triangle in
the road, in accordance with local traffic
regulations, to give oncoming traffic
warning of an immobilised vehicle.

TOWING A TRAILER

Your Jaguar Dealer, and the main
motoring organisations can advise you on
towing and towing weight capacities.

The following are important points of
safety, stability and comfort upon which
further advice should be sought:
• Maximum braked towing weight is

permissible, provided long periods of
uphill driving on gradients over 8%
are not undertaken.

• In high altitude mountainous regions,

the thinner atmosphere can reduce
engine performance. Above 1 000
metres (3 280 feet), the stipulated
maximum permitted gross train
weight must be reduced by 10% for
every 1 000 metres (3 280 feet) in
altitude.

Example: Driving on a mountain road
of a maximum of 2 400 metres (7 874
feet) means a reduction of the gross
train weight by 20%.

• The curbside weight of the vehicle can

be found on page 221.

• When towing, the weight of the tow

bar assembly must be deducted from
the permissible maximum load (see
page 222).

• When towing at the maximum

permissible rear-axle load, keep
within legal towing speeds.

• Tires must be inflated to the normal

(higher) pressure shown on the tire
pressure label, see page 203.

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• The recommended maximum tow-ball

nose weight is shown on page 222.
Having a lower nose weight or
exceeding the maximum nose weight
limit may impair the vehicle’s
handling.

• When towing with a vehicle with

automatic transmission it is advisable
to keep the transmission selected to
D, normal Driving mode, do not select
S Sport mode.

• Avoid heavy braking. As the overrun

brake on the trailer is not connected
to the ABS, heavy trailer braking could
critically affect the stability of the
outfit as a whole.

• Make sure that the towing vehicle’s

engine, transmission, suspension,
brakes and tires are fully efficient and
regularly serviced. Similarly check the
wheels, tires, brakes and wheel
bearings of the trailer.

Caution:
• When not in use, it is recommended

that the removable tow-ball is
either securely stowed in the
luggage compartment or,
preferably, not in the vehicle. Do
not leave it loose in the vehicle.

• It is essential that only Jaguar

towbar and Jaguar electrical tow
bar kits are supplied and fitted by a
Jaguar Dealer.

• Using electrical kits not specifically

designed for this Jaguar will
damage the electrical system of the
vehicle.

TOWBAR FIXING POINTS

The left-hand and right-hand rear
longitudinal members are factory
pre-marked for drilling for towbar
mountings. On each side, there are two
upper drilling points (accessed from
inside the luggage compartment) and two
lower drilling points (accessed from the
underside of the vehicle). The illustration
shows the right-hand side upper and
lower drilling points, indicated by arrows.

The left-hand and right-hand rear
tie-down brackets are fixed to the body
by four bolts (1).

When the towbar is fitted, bracket (2) is
discarded.