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Fewer short trips
Fuel consumption will always be relatively high
on short trips .
11-
Try to avoid driving short distances with a cold
engine.
The engine and catalyt ic converter have to reach
their optimal operating tempe ratur e to reduce
fuel consumption and noxious emissions effec-
tively .
Just after starting, a cold eng ine in a mid-s ize car
only achieves a fuel economy of 6-8 miles per
gallon (30-40 l/100 km). After about a half a
mile, fuel economy climbs to 12 mpg (20 l/100
km). After about
2.5
miles (4 km), the engine is
at its proper operating temperature
and fuel
economy has reac hed a norma l level. So you can
see t ha t you should avo id short t rips w henever
possib le.
The outside temperature is also cr itical in this re-
gar d. Your car consumes mo re fuel in the w int er
tha n in t he summe r.
Driving
and the envir o nment
201
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