Containing Running Costs - Fiat Idea Owner's Handbook Manual

CONTAINING
RUNNING COSTS
Here are some suggestions which may
help you to keep the running costs of your
vehicle down and lower the amount of
toxic emissions released into the atmo-
sphere.
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
Car maintenance
Have checks and adjustments carried out
in accordance with the "Service schedu-
le".
Tyres
Check tyre pressure regularly, at least on-
ce every four weeks: excessively low pres-
sure will increase fuel consumption be-
cause rolling resistance will be higher.
Unnecessary loads
Do not travel with an overloaded boot.
Do not travel with too much luggage
stowed in the boot. The weight of the car
(especially when driving in town) and its
trim greatly affects consumption and sta-
bility.
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Roof rack/ski rack
Remove the roof rack or the ski rack from
the roof after use. These accessories de-
crease aerodynamic penetration of the car
and have a negative effect on consumption.
It is better to use a trailer to transport
particularly bulky objects.
Electrical devices
Use electrical devices only for the amount
of time needed. Rear heated window, ad-
ditional headlights, windscreen wipers and
heater fan need a considerable amount of
energy, therefore increasing the require-
ment of current increases fuel consump-
tion (up to +25% in the urban cycle).
Climate control
The climate control system requires hi-
gher fuel consumption (up to +20% in ave-
rage): use the air vents when the exter-
nal temperature allows to.
Spoilers
The use of non-certified aerodynamic
items may adversely affect air drag and fuel
consumption levels.
DRIVING STYLE
Starting
Do not warm the engine up with the car
standing: the engine warms up very slowly
in these conditions, increasing fuel con-
sumption and emissions. It is advisable to
start off immediately and slowly keeping
the engine speed down: the engine will
warm up much faster this way.
Unnecessary actions
Avoid revving up when starting at traffic
lights or before stopping the engine. The
latter action, like doubling the clutch, is un-
necessary and causes increase of con-
sumption and pollution.
Gear selection
Use a higher gear as soon as traffic and
road conditions allow. Using a low gear
for faster acceleration will increase fuel
consumption.
In the same way improper use of a high
gear increases consumption, emissions an
engine wear.