FIAT Punto Classic - Manual (Page 167)

166
SAFETY DEVICES
W
ARNING
LIGHTS AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICA
TIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE OF THE CAR
Tyres
Check the pressure of the tyres routinely at an
interval of no more than 4 weeks: if the pressure is
too low, consumption levels increase as resistance to
rolling is higher.
Unnecessary loads
Do not travel with too much luggage stowed in the
boot. The weight of the car (especially when driving in
town) and its trim greatly affects consumption and
stability.
Roof rack/ski rack
Remove the roof rack or the ski rack from the roof as
soon as they are no longer used. These accessories
lower air penetration and adversely affect
consumption levels. When needing to carry
particularly voluminous objects, preferably use a
trailer.
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 energy, therefore increasing the
requirement of current increases fuel consumption (up
to +25% in the urban cycle).
Climate control
The air conditioner is an additional load which greatly
affects the engine leading to higher consumption (on
average up to +20%). When the temperature outside
the vehicle permits it, use the air vents where possible.
Spoilers
The use of non-certified aerodynamic items 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 consumption and emissions.
It is therefore advisable to move off immediately,
slowly, avoiding high speeds. This way the engine will
warm faster.
Unnecessary actions
Avoid accelerating when waiting at traffic lights or
before switching off the engine. This and also double
declutching is absolutely pointless on modern cars and
also increase consumption and pollution.