STARTING AND DRIVING
189
3
SAVING FUELSome useful tips are given below for saving fuel and re-
ducing harmful emissions of CO
2and other pollutants (ni-
trogen oxides, unburnt hydrocarbons, Particulate Matter
(PM), etc.).
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
Car maintenance
Have checks and adjustments carried out in accordance
with the “Scheduled Servicing Plan”.
Ty r e s
Check the pressure of the tyres routinely at an interval of
no more than 4 weeks: if the pressure is too low, con-
sumption levels increase as resistance to rolling is higher.
Unnecessary loads
Do not travel with an overloaded luggage compartment.
The weight of the car (especially when driving in town)
and its ride greatly affect consumption and stability.Accessories installed on longitudinal bars
Remove accessories like
: roof racks, ski racks, luggage con-
tainer, etc. from the roof if they are no longer used. These
accessories lower aerodynamic penetration and adverse-
ly affect consumption levels. When transporting particu-
larly large objects, use a trailer if possible.
Electric devices
Use electrical devices only for the amount of time needed.
The heated rear window, additional headlights, wind-
screen/rear window wipers and heater fan need a con-
siderable amount of energy, therefore increasing fuel con-
sumption (by up to 25% in the urban cycle).
Climate control system
Using the climate control system leads to higher fuel con-
sumption (on average up to +20%). If the temperature
outside permits, try and use the vent
ilation only.
Devices for aerodynamic control
The use of non-certified devices for aerodynamic control
may adversely affect air drag and consumption levels.
183-194 Delta GB 1ed 26/08/13 12.15 Pagina 189
232
IN AN EMERGENCY
When towing, remember that without the help
of the brake servo and electric power steer-
ing, a greater effort is required on the pedal
and steering wheel. Do not use flexible cables when
towing and avoid jerky movements. During towing,
make sure that the trailer hitch does not damage any
components it is touching. When towing the car, it
is compulsory to respect specific highway code reg-
ulations relating to the tow hook and procedures for
towing on the road. Do not start the engine while
towing the car. Before tightening the ring clean the
threaded housing thoroughly. Make sure that the
ring is securely fastened before towing the car.
The front and rear tow hooks must only be
used for emergency situations on the road.
The car may be towed for short distances
when a dedicated device is used in compliance with
the Highway Code (rigid bar), and in order to move
the vehicle on the road in preparation for towing
or transport via a breakdown vehicle. Tow hooks
MUST NOT be used to tow vehicles off the road or
where there are obstacles and/or for towing oper-
ations using cables or other non-rigid devices. Re-
specting the above conditions, towing must take
place with two vehicles (one towing, the other towed)
aligned as much as possible along the same centre
line.
Before towing, turn the ignition key to MAR
and then to STOP without removing it. The
steering column will automatically lock when
the key is removed and the wheels cannot be steered.
195-232 Delta GB 1ed 02/09/13 09.35 Pagina 232
