STARTING AND DRIVING
208
with other equipment that causes
electromagnetic waves.
SAVING FUEL
Some useful tips are given below for
fuel saving and reducing harmful
emissions of CO2 and other
pollutants (nitrogen oxides, unburnt
hydrocarbons, Particulate Matter (PM),
etc.).
GENERAL INFORMATION
The general factors that affect fuel
consumption are listed below.
Vehicle maintenance
Have checks and adjustments carried
out in accordance with the “Scheduled
Servicing Plan”.
Tyres
Check the tyre pressures at least once
every four weeks: if the pressure is too
low, consumption levels increase as
resistance to rolling is higher.
Unnecessary loads
Do not travel with an overloaded boot.
The weight of the vehicle (especially
when driving in town) and its geometry
greatly affect fuel consumption and
stability.
Roof rack/ski rack
Remove the roof rack or the ski
rack from the roof after use. These
accessories reduce the aerodynamic
coefficient of the vehicle and have a
negative effect on fuel consumption.
When transporting particularly large
objects, use a trailer if possible.
Electric devices
Use electrical devices only for the
amount of time needed. The heated
rear window, additional headlights,
windscreen/rear window wipers and
heater fan need a considerable amount
of energy, therefore increasing fuel
consumption (by up to 25% in the
urban cycle).
Climate control module
Air conditioning leads to higher fuel
consumption (on average up to +20%).
If the temperature outside permits, try
and use the ventilation only.
Devices for aerodynamic control
The use of non-certified spoilers may
adversely affect air drag and fuel
consumption.
DRIVING STYLE
The main driving styles that affect fuel
consumption are listed below.
Start
Do not warm up the engine at low or
high revs when the vehicle is stationary;
this causes the engine to warm up
more slowly, thereby increasing
fuel consumption and emissions. It
is therefore advisable to move off
immediately, slowly, avoiding high
speeds: in this way the engine will
warm up more quickly.
Unnecessary actions
Avoid accelerating when stopped at
traffic lights or before switching off the
engine.
This action and also double declutching
is absolutely pointless on modern cars
and also increases consumption and
pollution.
Gear selection
As soon as the conditions of the traffic
and road permit, use a higher gear.
Using a low gear for faster acceleration
will increase fuel consumption.
In the same way improper use of a high
gear increases consumption, emissions
and engine wear.
Top speed
Fuel consumption increases
considerably with speed.
Maintain a constant speed, avoiding
unnecessary braking and acceleration,
which cost in terms of both fuel
consumption and emissions.
Acceleration
Accelerating violently will greatly
affect consumption and emissions:
acceleration should be gradual.
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