FIAT Grande Punto Actual - Manual (Page 118)

117
SAFETY
W
ARNING
LIGHTS AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SER
VICE
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICA
TIONS
INDEX
CONTROLS AND DEVICES
ST
AR
TING
AND DRIVING
Roof rack/ski rack
Remove the roof rack or ski rack from the
roof after use. These accessories decrease
aerodynamic penetration and have a neg-
ative effect on fuel consumption. It is bet-
ter to use a trailer to transport particu-
larly bulky objects.
Electrical devices
Use electrical devices only for the amount
of time needed. The heated rear window,
auxiliary headlights, windscreen wipers and
fan heater use up a considerable amount
of current, causing increased fuel con-
sumption (up to +25% in the urban cycle).
Air conditioning
Air conditioning leads to higher fuel con-
sumption (on average up to +20%). If the
temperature outside is not too extreme,
try and use the air vents.
Spoilers
The use of non-certified spoilers may ad-
versely affect aerodynamics and fuel con-
sumption.
DRIVING STYLE
Starting
Do not warm up the engine at low or high
revs when the vehicle is stationary; this
causes the engine to warm up more slow-
ly, thereby increasing fuel consumption
and emissions. It is advisable to set off im-
mediately and slowly, avoiding high revs:
this allows the engine to warm up more
quickly.
Unnecessary actions
Avoid revving up when stationary at traf-
fic lights or before stopping the engine.
The latter action, like double declutching,
is entirely unnecessary and causes in-
creased fuel consumption and pollution.
Gear selection
Use a higher gear as soon as traffic and
road conditions allow. Using a low gear
for faster acceleration will increase fuel
consumption.
In the same way, improper use of a high
gear increases fuel consumption, emissions
and engine wear.
SAVING FUEL
Here are some suggestions which may
help you to save fuel and reduce the
amount of toxic emissions released into
the atmosphere.
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
Car maintenance
Have checks and adjustments carried out
in accordance with the “Scheduled Service
Plan”.
Tyres
Check the tyre pressure at least once
every 4 weeks: if the pressure is too low,
consumption levels increase as resistance
to rolling is higher.
Unnecessary loads
Do not travel with an overloaded boot.
The weight of the car (especially when dri-
ving in town) and its arrangement greatly
affect fuel consumption and stability.
111-122 ACTUAL 2ed EN 30-04-2010 12:38 Pagina 117