First read and observe the introductory information
and safety warnings
Changing gear earlier
In principle, the highest gear is always the most economical gear. A rule of thumb for most vehicles: at a speed of 30 km/h (19 mph) drive in 3rd gear, at 40 km/h (25 mph) in 4th gear and at 50 km/h (31 mph) in 5th gear.
If the traffic and driving situation allows it, skipping gears when changing up a gear will also save fuel.
Do not drive gears to their upper limit. Use first gear only for pulling away then quickly change up to second gear. Avoid using the kickdown function in vehicles with an automatic gearbox.
Vehicles with a gear display help to improve fuel economy by indicating the optimum time to change gear.
Rolling to a stop
Taking your foot off the accelerator will interrupt the supply of fuel to the engine and decrease fuel consumption.
Therefore, in situations such as approaching a red traffic light, let the vehicle roll without applying the accelerator. Only press on the clutch pedal to disengage if the vehicle becomes too slow or if the stopping distance is longer. The engine will then run at idling speed.
Switch off the engine in situations in which the vehicle might be stationary for a long time, e.g. at a level crossing. In vehicles with an active start/stop system, the engine will switch off automatically when the vehicle is stationary.
Thinking ahead when driving, and driving with the flow of traffic
Applying the brake and accelerator too often will significantly increase fuel consumption. By thinking ahead when driving and by maintaining a sufficient distance from the vehicle in front, simply keeping your foot off the accelerator will stop the speed from fluctuating. This means that active braking and accelerating is not always necessary.
Driving smoothly and evenly
Smoothness is even more important than speed. The more evenly you drive, the lower your fuel consumption will be.
When driving on a motorway, it is much more effective to drive at a constant moderate speed than to drive with constant acceleration and braking. As a rule, driving with a constant style will get you to your destination just as quickly.
The cruise control system will help you to maintain a constant driving style.
Active cylinder management (ACT®)
Depending on the vehicle equipment level, the vehicle may have active cylinder management (ACT®).
Active cylinder management (ACT) can automatically deactivate individual engine cylinders in driving situations that require low power consumption. When a cylinder is deactivated, no fuel is injected into that cylinder, which can lead to an overall reduction in fuel consumption. The number of active cylinders can be shown on the instrument cluster display .
Using additional equipment in moderation
It is always important to be comfortable in your vehicle, but it is also important to consider the environment.
Some equipment will increase fuel consumption when switched on:
Other factors that increase fuel consumption (examples):
Tires, Dismounting
Remove the valve insert.
Note
If equipped handle the glued-on wheel trim carefully.
Surface slightly scratched.
Replace the damaged rim wheel trim.
...
Notes on tow-starting
First read and observe the introductory
information and safety warnings
Vehicles should not be tow-started wherever possible. Use jump leads
to start the engine instead .
For technical reasons, the following vehicles cannot be
tow-started:
Vehicles with an automatic gearbox.
If ...
Vents
Fig. 128 In the dash panel: vents
First read and observe the introductory information
and safety warnings The vents should be left
open to ensure that the vehicle interior is sufficiently heated, ventilated and
cooled.
Turn the relevant thumb wheel (magnified view) in the required ...