Fewer short trips
Fuel consumption will always be relatively high
on short trips.
11-Try to avoid driving short distances with a cold
engine.
The engine and catalyt ic converter have to reach
their optimal
op erating tempe ratur e to reduce
fuel consumption and noxious emissions effec tively .
Just after starting, a co ld eng ine in a mid-s ize 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 cl imbs 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 reac hed a norma l level. So you can
see tha t you should avo id short t rips w henever
possib le.
The
outside temperature is also cr itical in this re
g ar d. Yo ur car consumes mo re fuel in the w in ter
tha n in the s umme r.
Driving and the envir onment
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