Saving fuel
1/100 km
-10°C
+20 oc
L----------------tkm 5 15 25 30
en-o11S
Fig. 226 Fuel consumption in litres per 100 km at two different outside temperatures.
r-1"'11 First read and observe the Introductory Information and safety warnings&. on page 278.
By adopting an economical driving style and antici-pating the traffic situation ahead, you can easily re-duce fuel consumption by 10-15%.
Cars use most fuel when accelerating. If you think ahead when driving, you will need to brake less and thus accelerate less. Wherever possible, let the car roll slowly to a stop, for instance when you can see that the next traffic lights are red.
Avoid short journeys
Directly after a cold start, the engine has a very high fuel consumption. The engine reaches its working temperature after a few kilometres, when fuel consumption will return to a normal level.
The engine and catalytic converter need to reach their proper working temperature in order to mini-mise fuel consumption and emissions. The out-side temperature is a key factor.
The different rates of fuel consumption for the same distance at both +20"C (+68"F) and at -10"C (+14"F) are shown in Fig. 226.
Therefore, avoid making too many short journeys and car share whenever possible.
Under the same conditions, the vehicle will use more fuel in winter than in summer.
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Not only is it illegal in some countries to "warm up" the cold engine by running it while the vehicle is stationary, it is also technically unnecessary and a waste of fuel.
Adjust the tyre pressure
The correct tyre pressure reduces rolling resist-ance and therefore also fuel consumption.
Ensure that any new tyres purchased have opti-mum rolling resistance.
Use low viscosity engine oils
Fully synthetic low viscosity engine oils reduce fuel consumption. Low viscosity engine oils decrease frictional resistance in the engine and spread bet-ter and more quickly, especially for cold starts. They are especially effective In vehicles that make alotofshortjourneys.
Always ensure that the engine oil level is correct and that you keep to the service intervals (oil change intervals).
When buying engine oil, always make sure it com-plies with engine oil norms and has been approved by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.
Avoid unnecessary loads
Lighter vehicles are more economical and have lower environmental impact. An extra 100 kg, for example, can increase fuel consumption by up to 0.311100 km.
Remove all unnecessary objects and loads from the vehicle.
Remove any unnecessary special equipment and accessories
The more aerodynamic a vehicle, the lower its fuel consumption. Special equipment and accessories, such as roof carriers or bicycle carriers, make the vehicle less aerodynamic.
You should therefore remove any special equip-ment and luggage carriers that are not in use, es-pecially if you are going to be driving at high speeds.
