Fiat 500 Owner's Handbook Manual page 104

and adversely affect consumption levels. When
transporting particularly large objects, use a trailer if
possible.
Electric devices
Use electric devices only for the amount of time
needed. The heated rear window, additional
headlights, windscreen wipers and heater fan need a
considerable amount of energy, therefore increasing
fuel consumption (by up to 25% in the urban cycle).
Climate control system
Air conditioning leads to higher fuel consumption (on
average up to +20%). If the temperature outside
permits, try and use the air vents.
Devices for aerodynamic control
The use of non-certified spoilers may adversely affect
air drag and fuel consumption.
DRIVING STYLE
The main driving styles that affect fuel consumption
are listed below.
Starting
Do not warm the engine with the car at a standstill
or at idle or high speed: under these conditions
the engine warms up much more slowly, increasing
electrical consumption and emissions. It is therefore
advisable to move off immediately, slowly, avoiding
high speeds: in this way the engine will warm faster.
Unnecessary actions
Avoid accelerating when starting at traffic lights or
before switching off the engine. This and also double
declutching is absolutely pointless on modern cars
and also increases consumption and pollution.
Gear selection
As soon as the conditions of the traffic and road
allow, use a higher gear. Using a low gear for faster
acceleration will increase consumption.
In the same way improper use of a high gear
increases consumption, emissions an engine wear.
Max. speed
Fuel consumption considerably increases as speed
increases. Avoiding unnecessary braking and
acceleration, which cost in terms of both fuel and
emissions.
Acceleration
Accelerating violently will greatly affect consumption
and emissions: acceleration should be gradual.
CONDITIONS OF USE
The main usage conditions that negatively affect fuel
consumption are listed below.
Cold starting
Short journeys and frequent cold starts do not allow
the engine to reach optimum operating temperature.
GETTING TO
KNOW YOUR
CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
103