Jaguar S-Type. 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.