STARTING UP AND DRIVING153
3
Accessories fitted on longitudinal bars
Remove any accessories such as: longitudinal bars, ski
racks, luggage rack, from the roof if they are not being
used. These accessories decrease aerodynamic penetration
and have a negative effect on fuel consumption. It is bet-
ter to use a trailer to transport particularly bulky objects.
Electrical devices
Use electrical devices only for the amount of time needed.
The heated rear windscreen, additional headlights, wind-
screen wipers and heater fan need a considerable amount
of energy; increasing the requirement of current increas-
es fuel consumption (up to +25% in the urban cycle).
Climate control
The climate control system leads to higher fuel consump-
tion (up to +20% on average): use air vents only when the
external temperature allows.
Spoilers
The use of non-certified aerodynamic items may adversely
affect air drag and fuel consumption levels.DRIVING STYLE
Starting
Do not warm the engine up with the car standing: the en-
gine warms up very slowly in these conditions, increas-
ing fuel consumption and emissions. It is advisable to start
off immediately and slowly keeping the engine speed
down: the engine will warm up much faster this way.
Unnecessary actions
Avoid revving up when starting at traffic lights or before
stopping the engine. The latter action, like doubling the
clutch, is unnecessary and causes increased fuel con-
sumption 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.
Top speed
Fuel consumption considerably increases as speed in-
creases. Keep your speed as even as possible, avoiding un-
necessary braking and acceleration, which cause excessive
fuel consumption and increased emissions.
218CARE AND MAINTENANCE
RUBBER HOSES
With regards to the maintenance of the brake system and
fuel system rubber hoses, carefully follow the “Sched-
uled Service Plan” in this section.
Ozone, high temperatures and prolonged lack of fluid in
the system may cause hardening and cracking of the hoses,
with possible leaks. Careful inspections are therefore nec-
essary.
WINDSCREEN/REARSCREEN
WIPERS
BLADES
Periodically clean the rubber part using special products;
TUTELA PROFESSIONAL SC35 is recommended.
Replace the blades if the rubber edge is deformed or worn.
In all cases, it is advisable to replace them approximate-
ly once a year.
A few simple precautions can reduce the possibility of
damage to the blades:
make sure that the rubber part is not stuck to the wind-
screen at sub-zero temperatures. Use an antifreeze
product to release it if required.
remove any snow from the window: this will avoid
overstressing the electrical motor in addition to pro-
tecting the blades;
do not operate the windscreen and the rear screen
wipers on dry glass.
Driving with worn wiper blades is a serious
hazard, because visibility is reduced in bad
weather.
