Looking Ahead; Economical Gear Changing - Skoda Superb Owner's Manual

Avoiding short distances
Checking tyre inflation pressure
Avoiding unnecessary ballast
Regular maintenance
Saving electrical energy
Environmental compatibility
The technical requirements for low fuel usage and economic efficiency of the ve-
hicle have already been built into the vehicle at the works. ŠKODA places a partic-
ular emphasis on minimising negative effects on the environment.
It is necessary to take note of the guidelines given in this chapter in order to
make best use of these characteristics and to maintain their effectiveness.
Fuel consumption, environmental pollution and the wear to the engine, brakes
and tyres depend essentially on the following three factors:
›
your personal driving style
›
operating conditions
›
technical requirements
The fuel economy by can be improved by 10 -15 % by always looking ahead and
driving in an economical way.
Fuel consumption is also be influenced by external factors which are beyond the
driver's control. Consumption increases during the winter or under difficult condi-
tions, on poor roads, etc.
Fuel consumption can vary considerably from the manufacturer's data, as a result
of outside temperatures, the weather and driving style.
The optimal engine speed should be obtained when accelerating, in order to
avoid a high fuel consumption and resonance of the vehicle.
CAUTION
All the speed and engine revolution figures apply only when the engine is at its
normal operating temperature.
142

Looking ahead

142

143
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
143
ings on page 140.
143
A vehicle's highest fuel consumption occurs when accelerating, therefore unnec-
143
essary accelerating and braking should be avoided. If looking ahead when driving,
less braking and consequently less accelerating are required.
If possible, let your vehicle coast to a stop, or use the engine brake, if you can see
that the next set of traffic lights is on red, for example.

Economical gear changing


First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 140.
Shifting up early saves on fuel.
Manual gearbox
›
Drive no more than about one length of your vehicle in first gear.
›
Shift up into the next gear at approx. 2000 rpm.

An effective way of achieving good fuel economy is to shift up early. Observe the
recommended gear » page
A suitably selected gear can have an effect on fuel consumption
Automatic gearbox
›
Slowly apply the accelerator pedal. However, do not depress it to the kickdown
position.
›
An economic driving programme is automatically selected if the accelerator ped-
al is only depressed slowly.
Fig. 130
Principle sketch: Fuel consump-
tion in litres/100 km depending
on the selected gear
22, Recommended gear.
Starting-off and Driving

» Fig. 130.

141