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

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.

Looking ahead


First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 143.
A vehicle's highest fuel consumption occurs when accelerating, therefore unnec-
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.
144
Driving

Economical gear changing


First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 143.
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 24, Gear recommendation.
A suitably selected gear can have an effect on fuel consumption
Automatic gearbox
›
Slowly apply the accelerator pedal. However, do not depress ias far as the kick-
down position » page 142.
›
An economic driving programme is automatically selected if the accelerator ped-
al is only depressed slowly.

Fig. 126
Principle sketch: Fuel consump-
tion in litres/100 km depending
on the selected gear
» Fig. 126.
