FIAT Panda Classic User Manual
Page 117
116
KNOW YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGESI
IN
AN EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
clutching is absolutely pointless on modern cars and also
increases consumption and pollution.
Gear selection
As soon as the conditions of the traffic and road allow, use
a higher gear. Using a low gear for faster acceleration will
increase consumption.
In the same way improper use of a high gear increases con-
sumption, emissions an engine wear.
Top speed
Fuel consumption considerably increases with speed.
Avoiding unnecessary braking and acceleration, which cost
in terms of both fuel and emissions.
Acceleration
Accelerating violently increasing the revs will greatly af-
fect consumption and emissions: acceleration should be
gradual.
CONDITIONS OF USE
Cold starting
Short journeys and frequent cold starts will prevent the en-
gine from reaching optimal running temperature. This re-
sults in a significant increase in consumption levels (from
+15 to +30% on the urban cycle) and emission of harmful
substances.
Electric devices
Use electric devices only for the amount of time needed.
Rear heated window, additional headlights, windscreen
wipers and heater fan need a considerable amount of en-
ergy, therefore a higher requirement of current involves
and increase of fuel consumption (up to +25% in the
urban cycle).
Climate control system
The climate control system is an additional load which
greatly affects the engine leading to higher consumption
(on average up to +20%): when the temperature outside
the car permits it, use the air vents where possible.
Devices for aerodynamic control
The use of non-certified devices for aerodynamic control
may adversely affect air drag and consumption levels.
DRIVING STYLE
Starting
Do not warm the engine with the car at a standstill or at
idle or high speed: under these conditions the engine
warms up much more slowly, increasing electrical con-
sumption and emissions. It is therefore advisable to move
off immediately, slowly, avoiding high speeds: in this way
the engine will warm faster.
Unnecessary actions
Avoid accelerating when starting at traffic lights or be-
fore switching off the engine. This and also double de-
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