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Driving
and the environment
The engine and catalytic converter have to reach
their optimal
operating temperature
to reduce
fuel consumption and noxious emissions effec-
tively.
Just after starting, a cold engine in a mid-size car
only achieves a fuel economy of 6-8 miles per
gallon (30-40 l/100 km). After about a half a
mile, fuel economy climbs to 12 mpg (20 l/100
km). After about
2.5
miles (4 km), the engine is
at its proper operating temperature
and fuel
economy has reached a normal level. So you can
see that you should avoid short trips whenever
possible.
The
outside temperature
is also critical in this re-
gard. Your car consumes more fuel in the winter
than in the summer .
192
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