Suggestions For Driving - Fiat 500 Owner's Handbook Manual

SUGGESTIONS FOR
DRIVING
SAVING FUEL
Below are some suggestions which
may help you save fuel and thus lower
the amount of harmful emissions
released into the atmosphere.
Vehicle maintenance
Checks and operations should be
carried out in accordance with
the "Scheduled Servicing Plan" (see the
"Maintenance and care" chapter).
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
luggage compartment. The weight of
the vehicle and its arrangement greatly
affect fuel consumption and stability.
108
Roof rack/ski rack
Remove the roof rack or the ski rack
from the roof when they are not used.
These accessories lower aerodynamic
penetration and adversely affect
consumption levels. 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, windscreen wipers and
heater fan require a considerable
amount of energy; increasing
the current uptake increases fuel
consumption (by up to +25% in an
urban cycle).
Climate control module
Using the climate control system will
increase consumption: use standard
ventilation when the temperature
outside permits.
Devices for aerodynamic control
The use of non-certified devices for
aerodynamic control may adversely
affect air drag and consumption levels.
DRIVING STYLE
Start
Do not warm up the engine at low or
high revs when the car 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 revving up when starting at traffic
lights or before stopping the engine.
The latter action, as well as double-
declutching, is unnecessary and causes
increased fuel consumption and
pollution.
Gear selection
Use a high gear when traffic and road
conditions allow it. 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.