Catalytic Converter; Driving In An Economical And Environmentally Conscious Manner - Skoda Fabia Owner's Manual

146 Driving and the Environment

Catalytic converter

Proper operation of the emission control system (catalytic converter) is
of major significance for driving your vehicle in an environmentally
conscious way.
Please refer to the following guidelines:
– For vehicles with petrol engine only refuel with unleaded petrol  page 162,
"Grades of petrol".
– Never run the fuel tank completely empty.
– Do not switch off the ignition while you are driving the vehicle.
– Do not pour too much oil into the engine  page 168, "Replenishing engine oil".
– Do not tow-start the vehicle over a distance of more than 50 metres  page 193,
"Tow-starting a vehicle".
If you drive your vehicle in a country in which unleaded petrol is not available, you
must have the catalytic converter replaced later when driving the vehicle into a country
in which use of a catalytic converter is mandatory.
WARNING

In view of the high temperatures which may be produced in the catalytic
converter, one should always park a vehicle in such a way that the catalytic
converter cannot come into contact with easily flammable materials below the
vehicle - a risk of fire!

Never use additional underbody protection or corrosion-protection agents
for the exhaust pipes, catalytic converters or heat shields. Such substances
might ignite when driving - risk of fire!
Caution

On vehicles fitted with a catalytic converter, never let the fuel tank run completely
empty. An irregular fuel supply can result in poor ignition or misfiring. Unburnt fuel
may get into the exhaust system and damage the catalytic converter.

Filling the tank even only once with leaded petrol will result in the catalytic
converter being destroyed.

If you detect misfiring, a drop in performance or irregular engine running when
driving, reduce your speed immediately and have the vehicle inspected by the nearest
specialist garage. The symptoms described may be caused by a fault in the ignition
system. Unburnt fuel may get into the exhaust system and damage the catalytic
converter.
For the sake of the environment
Even if the exhaust system is operating properly, a sulphur-like exhaust odour may be
produced under certain operating conditions of the engine. This depends on the
sulphur content of the fuel. It is often sufficient to refuel with unleaded premium-grade
petrol of a different brand or at a different filling station.
Driving in an economical and environmentally
conscious manner
General
Your personal style of driving is a major factor.
Your fuel consumption, any pollution of the environmental and the wear-and-tear to
the engine, brakes and tyres, depend essentially on three factors:

your personal style of driving;

the conditions under which your vehicle is operated;

technical aspects.
You can easily improve your fuel economy by 10 - 15 percent by driving in an econom-
ical way with foresight. This section is intended to provide you with a number of tips on
how to protect the environment and at the same time save money.
The fuel consumption can naturally also be influenced by factors which are beyond the
driver's control. It is, for example, normal for the fuel consumption to increase in
winter and under worsened conditions such as poor road conditions, towing a trailer,
etc.
The technical requirements for low fuel usage and economic efficiency of the vehicle
have already been built into the vehicle at the works. Special attention has been given
to minimising negative effects on the environment. It is necessary to take note of the