Walter P. Chrysler
Product Restorers Club
Parts, manuals and
information!
Need parts?
Part Locator
1949 Dodge Wayfarer,
SN# 37032385
Photographs from
ALL ANGLES
1949 Dodge Wayfarer
OWNERS MANUAL
DESIGN
Style, size,
exterior details,
interior details
MECHANICAL
Engine, carburator, transmission, brakes, wheels frame, shock absorbers
PRICES
Wayfarer, Coronet, Meadowbrook and models
CONTACT
1949 Dodge Wayfarer
PLANNED DRIVING
Planned driving is a new term to most Dodge owners. It describes driving techniques that stretch each gallon of gas used. Recent tests conducted by service engineers show that marked savings in fuel consumption are possible by changes in driving habits.
By simply slowing down to moderate speeds and planning starts and stops, an average driver can increase gas mileage in both city and open-road driving. Other factors such as engine in tune, correct tire inflation, proper brake adjustment and use of light lubricants in cold weather influence fuel economy, but correct driving techniques offer the biggest gas savings.
Here are a few basic driving rules developed after exhaustive tests
and trial runs that point the way to fuel economy:
Use moderate speeds on highways- At high speeds more horsepower is used, wind resistance is stronger, friction of moving parts is increased and acceleration is more frequent to pass slower cars. All these factors demand extra fuel. For best economy maintain a moderate cruising speed that is practical for the road you are driving.
Avoid unnecessary starts and stops- By looking ahead and judging the speed of other cars and the timing of traffic lights, unnecessary starting and stopping can be avoided to a great extent. If there are so many traffic obstacles that you cannot drive at the speed you want without frequent stops, drive at a slower speed. You will get there just about as fast and still conserve gas.
Drive at a steady speed- You burn more gas getting up to any particular speed than you burn driving steadily at that speed for a given length of time. Avoid excess acceleration in either highway or city driving. By maintaining a steady speed you will use your brakes less, you won't shift into lower gear as often and you will enjoy a smoother ride at less cost to your pocketbook.
Don't stay in lower gear longer than necessary- Tests show that a driver will get maximum fuel economy by using lower gears for starting, and shifting to the next higher gear as soon as the engine will run smoothly in the higher gear. Lower gears are power gears and require more gas when used.
Don't idle longer than necessary- Turn off the ignition while waiting at the curb for friends, when delayed at railroad crossings or while shopping. Instead of idling until the engine is warm, begin to drive at moderate speeds when the oil gauge shows normal pressure. An engine under load will warm up faster than an idling engine. In extreme cold weather, however, idling the engine for a few minutes and then driving at moderate speeds assures proper oil circulation. Never race the engine under any circumstance.