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SAVING FUEL
Here are some useful tips to save fuel
and minimise harmful emissions of
CO
2
and other pollutants (nitric oxides,
unburnt hydrocarbons, fine dusts 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 pressure of the tyres
routinely at an interval of no more
than 4 weeks: if the pressure is too
low, consumption levels increase as
resistance to rolling is higher.
Unnecessary loads
Do not travel with an overloaded
luggage compartment. 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.
CONDITIONS OF USE
The main usage conditions that
negatively affect fuel consumption are
listed below.
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