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Maintain the correct tyre pressures
Bear in mind that keeping the tyres at an ad-
equate pressure saves fuel. If the tyre pres-
sure is just one bar (14.5 psi/100 kPa) too
low, fuel consumption can increase by as
much as 5%. Due to the greater rolling resist-
ance, under-inflation also increases tyre wear
wear and impairs handling.
The tyre pressures should always be checked
when the tyres are cold.
Do not use winter tyres all year round as they
increase fuel consumption by up to 10%.
Avoid unnecessary weight
Given that every kilo of extra weight will in-
crease the fuel consumption, it is advisable
to always check the luggage compartment to
make sure that no unnecessary loads are be-
ing transported.
A roof rack is often left in place for the sake
of convenience, even when it is no longer
needed. At a speed of 100 km/h (62 mph)
and 120 km/h (75 mph) your vehicle will use
about 12% more fuel as a result of the extra
wind resistance caused by the roof rack even
when it is not in use.
Save electricity
The engine activates the alternator, which
produces electricity. With the need for elec-
tricity, fuel consumption also increases. Be-
cause of this, always turn off electrical devi-
Driving
ces when you do not need them. Examples of
devices that use a lot of electricity are: the
blower at high speeds, the rear window heat-
ing or the seat heaters*.
Note
●
If your vehicle has Start-Stop, it is not rec-
ommended that you switch this function off.
It is recommended that you close the win-
●
dows when driving at more than 60 km/h
(37 mph).
Do not drive with your foot resting on the
●
clutch pedal,, as the pressure can make the
plate spin, more fuel will be used and it can
burn the clutch plate lining, causing a serious
fault.
Do not hold the car on a hill with the clutch,
●
use the foot brake or hand brake, using the
latter to start. The fuel consumption will be
lower and you will prevent the clutch plate
from being damaged.
On descents, use the engine brake, chang-
●
ing to the gear that is more suitable for the
slope. Fuel consumption will be "zero" and
the brakes will not suffer.
Engine management and ex-
haust gas purification system
Introduction
WARNING
●
Because of the high temperatures which
can occur in the exhaust purification system
(catalytic converter or diesel particulate fil-
ter), do not park the vehicle where the ex-
haust can come into contact with flammable
materials under the car (e.g. on grass or at
the forest edge). Fire hazard!
Do not apply wax underneath the vehicle
●
around the area of the exhaust system: Fire
hazard!
Note
While the control lamps , , or re-
main lit, there may be engine problems, fuel
consumption may increase and the engine
may lose power.
Catalytic converter
To maintain the useful life of the catalytic
converter
Use only unleaded petrol with petrol en-
–
gines, as lead damages the catalytic con-
verter.
Do not let the fuel get too low in the tank.
–
»
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