8. Use electrical devices only for the
amount of time needed. The vehicle’s
heated rear window, additional
headlights, screen wipers and heater
fan require a considerable amount
of energy; this increases fuel
consumption (by up to +25% in an
urban cycle).
9. Air conditioning leads to higher fuel
consumption (on average up to +30%).
If the temperature outside is not too
extreme, try and use the air vents.
Driving style
1. After starting the engine you should
drive away immediately and slowly,
avoiding high revs. Do not warm up the
engine at low or high revs when the
vehicle is stationary; this causes the
engine to warm up more slowly, thereby
increasing fuel consumption, emissions
and mechanical component wear.
2. Avoid pointless actions such
as revving up when at traffic lights or
before stopping the engine. The latter
action, like double-declutching, is
unnecessary and causes increased fuel
consumption and pollution.3. Gear selection: select a high gear as
soon as possible (taking into account
normal engine operation and traffic
conditions) without pushing the engine
to high revs during the intermediate
gears. Using low gears at high revs to
get lively acceleration increases fuel
consumption, harmful emissions and
engine wear.
4. Vehicle speed: fuel consumption
increases exponentially as the speed of
the vehicle increases. Keep your speed
moderate and as even as possible,
avoiding unnecessary braking and
acceleration, which cause excessive
fuel consumption and increased
emissions. Keeping a safe distance
from the vehicle in front helps to
maintain a steady speed.
5. Acceleration: accelerating violently
severely affects consumption and
emissions. Acceleration should be
gradual and should not exceed the
maximum engine torque rate.
255
