Driving Tips - Fiat 500 Manual

DRIVING TIPS

SAVING FUEL
Below are some suggestions which
may help you save fuel and thus lower
the amount of harmful emissions
released into the atmosphere.
Car maintenance
Checks and maintenance should
be carried out in accordance with
the "Service Schedule" (see the
"Maintenance and care" section).
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.
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 system
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.
Top speed
Fuel consumption considerably
increases as speed increases.
Maintain a constant speed, avoiding
unnecessary braking and acceleration,
which cost in terms of both fuel
consumption and emissions.
Acceleration
Accelerating violently severely
affects consumption and emissions:
acceleration should be gradual and
should not exceed the maximum
torque.
CONDITIONS OF USE
Cold starting
Short journeys and frequent cold
starts do not allow the engine to reach
optimum operating temperature.
Consequently, both consumption (from
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