Driving and the environment
The engine and catalytic converter have to reach
their optimal
operating temperature to reduce
fuel consumption and noxious emissions effec
tively.
Just after starting, a cold engine in a mid-size car
only achieves a fuel economy of 6-8 miles per
gallon (30-40 l/100 km). After about a half a
mile, fuel economy climbs to 12 mpg (20 l/100
km). After about
2.5 miles (4 km), the engine is
at its proper operating temperature and fuel
economy has reached a normal level. So you can
see that you should avoid short trips whenever
possible.
The
outside temperature is also critical in this re
gard. Your car consumes more fuel in the winter
than in the summer .
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