Style Of Driving; Electrical Devices; Air Conditioner; Unnecessary Actions - Alfa Romeo 156 GTA Owner's Manual

Electrical devices

Use the electric devices for the necessary
time only. The heated rear window, sup-
plementary lights, windscreen wipers, hea-
ting system blower require large amounts of
energy and, increasing the request for power
also increases fuel consumption (up to
+25% when driving in built-up areas).

Air conditioner

The air conditioner is an additional load
which greatly affects the engine leading to
higher consumption (on average up to
+20%). When the temperature outside the
vehicle permits it, use the air vents where
possible.
Spoilers
The use of aerodynamic optional extras
which are not certified for the specific use
on the vehicle, may reduce the aerodyna-
mic penetration of the vehicle and increase
consumption.

STYLE OF DRIVING

Starting
Do not warm the engine when the vehicle
is stationary or at high or low revs: in this
way the engine will warm up gradually in-
creasing consumption and emissions. You
should drive off slowly straight away avoi-
ding high revs so that the engine will warm
up more quickly.

Unnecessary actions

Avoid revving the engine when stopped at
traffic lights or before switching off the en-
gine and avoid doubling the clutch as the-
se actions have no purpose on modern vehi-
cles and serve only to increase consumption
and pollution.
Gear selection
As soon as the traffic and road conditions
allow it, shift to a higher gear. Using a lower
gear to liven up acceleration greatly increa-
ses consumption. In the same way, impro-
per use of the higher gears will increase con-
sumption, emissions and wear and tear on
the engine.
Maximum speed
Fuel consumption increases considerably
as speed increases. For example, when ac-
celerating from 90 to 120 kph, fuel con-
sumption increases by about +30%. Your
speed should be kept as even as possible
and superfluous braking and acceleration
avoided as this increases both consumption
and emissions. A "soft" way of driving
should be adopted by attempting to antici-
pate manoeuvres to avoid imminent danger
and to keep a safe distance from the vehi-
cle in front in order to avoid braking sharply.
Acceleration
Accelerating violently increasing the revs
will greatly affect consumption and emis-
sions: acceleration should be gradual and
should not exceed the maximum torque.
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