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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-
ces when you do not need them. Examples of
devices that use a lot of electricity are: the
fan at high speeds, the rear window heating
and the seat heaters*.
Note
If you vehicle has Start-Stop, it is not rec-
●
ommended to switch this function off.
Driving
It is recommended to close the windows
●
when driving at more than 60 km/h (40 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 vehicle on a hill with the
clutch, use the foot brake or hand brake, us-
ing 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.
Wading and driving off-road
Driving through water
Fig. 94
Driving through water.
To prevent the vehicle from being damaged
when driving through water (i.e. flooded
roads), please observe the following:
Determine the depth of the water before
●
entering. Water can reach a maximum height
›››
Fig.
94.
of below the door sill
●
Drive at a maximum pace of walking speed.
Driving at a higher speed can cause a wave
in front of the vehicle, which can cause water
to enter the engine air intake system or other
parts of the vehicle.
●
Never stop in the water, never reverse and
never stop the engine.
●
Before driving through water deactivate the
›››
Start-Stop system
page
112.
WARNING
●
Driving through water, dirt and mud can re-
duce braking capability and prolong the brak-
ing distance – Risk of accident!
●
Do not carry out any sudden or strong brak-
ing manoeuvres after driving through water.
Clean and dry the brakes as soon as possi-
●
ble after driving through water by breaking
intermittently. Carry out braking in order to
dry the brakes and clean the brake discs only
if traffic so permits. Do not put other drivers
at risk.
»
107
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