OPERATOR'S MANUAL

More Driving Tips and Techniques Operating Instructions
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PB1318 3/01 Model 330
MORE DRIVING TIPS AND
TECHNIQUES
Introduction
This section covers additional driving tips and techniques on
how to drive your Model 330 more efficiently. For further infor-
mation on driving techniques, read the American Trucking
Association’s (ATA)
Truck Driver’s Handbook . It will give you
more tips on starting, shifting, and driving your Model 330
Series vehicle.
Coasting
• Do not coast with the transmission in Neutral or with the
clutch pedal depressed.
WARNING! Do not coast with the transmission in
Neutral or with the clutch pedal depressed—it is
a dangerous practice. Without the use of the
retarding power of the drivetrain, your vehicle
can reach dangerous speeds. At very high
speeds you may not be able to put the transmis-
sion in any gear. At high speeds you could seri-
ously damage your vehicle or cause an accident when
you put the transmission in gear. The engine speed
could exceed the maximum governed speed and cause a
serious accident due to mechanical failures.
Besides being illegal and dangerous, coasting is also expen-
sive. It causes premature failure or damage to the clutch and
transmission and overloads the brake system.
Coasting with the transmission in Neutral also prevents
proper transmission component lubrication. During coasting
the transmission is driven by the rear wheels, and the coun-
tershaft gear (which lubricates the transmission components
by oil splash) will only be turning at idle speed.
Descending a Grade
WARNING! Do not hold the brake pedal down
too long or too often while going down a steep
or long grade. This could cause the brakes to
overheat and reduce their effectiveness. As a
result, the vehicle will not slow down at the
usual rate. To reduce the risk of personal injury
and/or an accident, before going down a steep
or long grade, reduce speed and shift the trans-