The driver of a Turbine Car will encounter new sensations, notably acceleration smoothness and the absence of engine vibration that he has become used to with piston engines. Otherwise, normal driving with the Turbine Car is the same as with any piston-engined car with automatic transmission. The driver has an accelerator pedal and a brake pedal. He pushes the accelerator pedal to go, releases it to reduce speed, presses the brake pedal to slow abruptly or to stop--just as in a conventional car with automatic transmission. However, because of the turbine engine and the modified automatic transmission, there are certain differences in care and handling of the turbine vehicle in special situations.
Starting
The turbine engine will start easily under conditions that would thwart a piston engine (such as extreme cold). Its starting procedure actually is simpler than for a piston engine since the driver merely turns the key and releases it, and then all functions are carried out automatically. To assure easy starting, the driver should keep his foot off the accelerator pedal until the engine is running under its own power.
Once started, the gas cycle reaches full-operating temperature almost instantly so that the engine can be driven immediately at high power if desired, without a warm-up period.
Pushing and Towing
The turbine car cannot be started by pushing. As a general rule, it should not be pushed under any conditions.
It may be towed for short distances (through a car wash, for instance) with the engine shut off and the transmission control lever in any position except Start/Park.
Jacking
Convenient jacking is a special feature of the Turbine Car. The car is raised for wheel or tire changing by placing a jack under a side sill at either front or rear, and raising one corner of the car. jacking surfaces for this purpose are formed in the underside of each side sill near the wheel openings. Each of these surfaces has a hole that engages a vertical pin in the jack pad to prevent slipping. No jacking should be attempted at any point other than one of the four side jacking points. This type of jacking is possible because of the unitized body construction with strong, rigid side sills.
A scissor-type jack furnished with the car has a ratchet handle and is designed to reduce jacking effort. Since the jack has a pin to prevent slipping, it is recommended that no other jack be used with the exception of those found in service garages.
If a rear tire is to be changed, the fender skirt must be removed before the wheel can be removed. Caution: The engine must never be operated with a rear wheel off the ground.
Engine Coolant Not Required
The turbine engine does not require water or antifreeze since it is "self-cooled" by air surrounding it in the engine compartment and by compressor air flowing through it.
Lubrication Recommendation
Chassis and body mechanisms should be lubricated according to the recommended schedules, which are similar to those for other Chrysler Corporation cars.
Oil level should be checked at intervals and oil added if necessary.
Precautions Against Over speeding Power Turbine
- Do not operate engine with car on hoist.
- Do not operate engine with rear wheel jacked off ground.
- Avoid sustained engine acceleration with wheel spinning on ice, snow, or mud.