Driving Style - Opel Zafira B MPV 2006 Owners Workshop Manual

Maintenance
Driving style
Acceleration
Acceleration uses more fuel than driving at
a steady speed. The best technique with
modern cars is to accelerate reasonably
briskly to the desired speed, changing up
through the gears as soon as possible without
making the engine labour.
Air conditioning
Air conditioning absorbs quite a bit of energy
from the engine - typically 3 kW (4 hp) or so.
The effect on fuel consumption is at its worst
in slow traffic. Switch it off when not required.
Anticipation
Drive smoothly and try to read the traffic flow
so as to avoid unnecessary acceleration and
braking.
Automatic transmission
When accelerating in an automatic, avoid
depressing the throttle so far as to make the
transmission hold onto lower gears at higher
speeds. Don't use the 'Sport' setting, if
applicable.
When stationary with the engine running,
select 'N' or 'P'. When moving, keep your left
foot away from the brake.
A well-maintained car uses less fuel and
creates less pollution. In particular:
Filters
Change air and fuel filters at the specified
intervals.
Oil
Use a good quality oil of the lowest viscosity
specified by the vehicle manufacturer (see
Lubricants and fluids). Check the level often
and be careful not to overfill.
Spark plugs
When applicable, renew at the specified
intervals.
Fuel economy
REF•3
Tyres
Check tyre pressures regularly. Under-inflated
tyres have an increased rolling resistance. It
is generally safe to use the higher pressures
specified for full load conditions even when
not fully laden, but keep an eye on the centre
band of tread for signs of wear due to over-
inflation.
When buying new tyres, consider the 'fuel
saving' models which most manufacturers
include in their ranges.
Braking converts the car's energy of motion
into heat - essentially, it is wasted. Obviously
some braking is always going to be necessary,
but with good anticipation it is surprising how
much can be avoided, especially on routes
that you know well.
Carshare
Consider sharing lifts to work or to the shops.
Even once a week will make a difference.