Fuel economy, environmental impact and wear on the engine, brakes and
tyres depend largely on the way you drive the vehicle. By adopting an
economical driving style and anticipating the traffic situation ahead,
you can reduce fuel consumption by 10-15%. The following section gives
you some tips on lessening the impact on the environment and reducing
your operating costs at the same time.
Anticipate well in advance
A car uses most fuel when accelerating. If you anticipate hazards
and speed changes well in advance, you will need to brake less and
thus accelerate less. Wherever possible, let the car slow down gradually
with a gear engaged, for instance
when you can see that the next traffic lights are red. This takes
advantage of the engine braking effect, reducing wear on the brakes
and tyres. Emissions and fuel consumption will drop to zero due
to the overrun fuel cut-off.
Change gear early to save fuel
An effective way of saving fuel is to
change up quickly through the
gears. Running the engine at high rpm in the lower gears uses an
unnecessary amount of fuel. Press the accelerator slowly and avoid
using the "kick-down" feature.
Avoid driving at high speed
Avoid travelling at top speed. Fuel consumption, exhaust emissions
and noise levels all increase very rapidly at higher speeds. Driving
at moderate speeds will help to save fuel.
Do not let the engine idle for longer than necessary
Engine idling periods are automatically reduced on vehicles with
a start/stop system. On vehicles without a start/stop system, it
is worthwhile switching off the engine at level crossings, for instance,
or at traffic lights with a long red phase. The fuel saved after
only 30 - 40 seconds is greater than the amount of fuel needed to
restart the engine.
The engine takes a very long time to warm up when it is running
at idling speed. Mechanical wear and pollutant emissions are also
especially high during this initial warm-up phase. It is therefore
best to drive off immediately after starting the engine. Avoid running
the engine at high speed.
Regular servicing
Regular servicing can establish a basis for good fuel economy before
you start driving. A well-serviced engine gives you the benefit
of improved fuel efficiency
as well as maximum reliability and an enhanced resale value. A poorly
maintained engine can consume up to ten percent more fuel than necessary.
Avoid short trips
The engine and emission control system need to reach their
proper working temperature in
order to minimise fuel consumption and emissions.
A cold engine uses disproportionately more fuel. The engine only
reaches its working temperature after about
four kilometres, when fuel consumption
will return to a normal level.
Check tyre pressures
Always make sure the tyres are inflated to the correct pressures
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to save fuel. If the tyre pressures are just 0.5 bar too low, this
can increase the fuel consumption by as much as 5 %. Due to the
greater rolling resistance, under-inflation also increases
tyre wear and impairs handling.
Do not use winter tyres all
through the year; they will increase fuel consumption by up to 10
%.
Avoid carrying unnecessary loads
Every kilo of extra weight will
increase the fuel consumption, so it is worth checking the luggage
compartment occasionally to make sure that no unnecessary loads
are being transported.
The roof carrier increases the air resistance of the vehicle and
should be removed when not in use. This will save about 12 % of
fuel at speeds of between 60 and 75 mph.
Save electrical energy
The engine drives the alternator to generate electricity. This means
that fuel consumption rises when more power is required for electrical
equipment. Switch off electrical equipment when it is not needed.
Electrical equipment which uses a lot of electricity includes the
blower (at a high setting), the rear window heating and the seat
heating*.