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196
Dr iv ing and e n v ironm e nt
@
For the sake of the environment
Even when the Emission Contro l System is
operating properly, the exhaust gas can
have a sulfur-like exhaust gas smell under
some operating states. This depends on
the sulfur content of the fue l being used.
Using a different brand of fuel may help,
or filling the tank w ith lead-free super
grade gasoline.
Operate
your vehicle
economically
and
minimize
pollution
General
Your personal style of driving will determine
the economy of your vehicle, as well as ex-
haust and noise levels.
Fuel economy, environmental impact , and
wear on your engine, brakes and t ires largely
depend on th ree factors:
=
your personal dr iving style
- operating conditions
- technical lim itations
If you anticipate what you need to do next and
drive economically, you can easily cut your
fue l consumption by 10-15 percent. This sec-
tion will give you some t ips on how you can
help the environmen t and your pocketbook.
(D
Tips
The consumpt ion estimates as published
by ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
(EPA) and Transport Canada may not corre-
spond to your actual consumption on the
road, wh ich will vary depending upon vehi-
cle load and speed, road and weather con-
ditions, tr ip length, etc.
Drive smoothly and keep a lookout
ahead
Vehicles use the most fuel when they are ac-
celerating .
.,. Avoid unnecessary accelerating and braking.
Vehicles use the most fuel when they are ac-
celerating. If you anticipate what is going to
happen next, you will need to brake less and,
th us, accelerate less. Let the vehicle coast
whenever possible - for example when you see
that the next traff ic light is red.
· Avoid full throttle
Driving at moderate speeds saves fuel and
improves your mileage.
.. Try and keep well below your car's maxi-
mum speed.
Accelerat ing gently reduces fue l consump-
tion, engine wear, and does not disturb the
environment.
Fuel consumpt ion, exhaust emissions and en-
gine noise increase disproportionate ly at high
speeds. If you drive at approximately th ree
quarters of top speed, fuel consumption w ill
be reduced by one half. Never drive faster
than the posted speed limit and weathe r con-
ditions perm it.
Reducing unnecessary idling
Even when your car is jus t idling it burns up
fuel.
.. Shut the engine off when you are not driv -
ing t he vehicle .
.. Do not warm up the vehicle by letti ng the
engine run at idle .
It makes sense to shut off the engine in traffic
jams, when wa it ing for tra ins to pass at rail-
road crossings, or at traffic lig hts that have
long wait s on red. Turning the engine off for
j ust 30-40 seconds saves more fuel tha n is
burned start ing t he engine again.
It takes a long t ime for the engine to warm up
fully when it is ru nning at idle. However, wear
and noxious emissions are especially high
whe n the engine is wa rm ing up. So you shou ld
dr ive away as soon as you st art the engine and
avoid running at high rpms whi le the engine is
still warming up.
ll-
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