202 Driving and the Environment
Catalytic converter
Caution
Proper operation of the emission control system (catalytic converter)
is of major significance for driving your vehicle in an environmen-
tally conscious way.
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On vehicles fitted with a catalytic converter, never let the fuel tank run
completely empty. An irregular fuel supply can result in poor ignition or misfiring.
Unburnt fuel may get into the exhaust system and damage the catalytic converter.
•
Filling the tank even only once with leaded petrol will result in the catalytic
converter being destroyed.
If you detect misfiring, a drop in performance or irregular engine running when
Please refer to the following guidelines:
•
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For vehicles with petrol engine only refuel with unleaded petrol
driving, reduce your speed immediately and have the vehicle inspected by the
nearest specialist garage. The symptoms described may be caused by a fault in the
ignition system. Unburnt fuel may get into the exhaust system and damage the
catalytic converter.
⇒ page 219, “Grades of petrol”.
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–
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Never run the fuel tank completely empty.
Do not switch off the ignition while you are driving the vehicle.
Do not pour too much oil into the engine ⇒ page 228, “Replenishing
For the sake of the environment
engine oil”.
Even if the exhaust system is operating properly, a sulphur-like exhaust odour may
be produced under certain operating conditions of the engine. This depends on the
sulphur content of the fuel. It is often sufficient to refuel with unleaded premium-
grade petrol of a different brand or at a different filling station.
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Do not tow-start the vehicle over a distance of more than 50 metres
⇒ page 253, “Tow-starting and towing vehicle”.
If you drive your vehicle in a country in which unleaded petrol is not available, you
must have the catalytic converter replaced later when driving the vehicle into a
country in which use of a catalytic converter is mandatory.
Driving in an economical and environmentally
conscious manner
WARNING
General
•
In view of the high temperatures which may be produced in the catalytic
converter, one should always park a vehicle in such a way that the catalytic
converter cannot come into contact with easily flammable materials below
the vehicle - a risk of fire!
Your personal style of driving is a major factor.
Your fuel consumption, any pollution of the environmental and the wear-and-tear
to the engine, brakes and tyres, depend essentially on three factors:
•
Never use additional underbody protection or corrosion-protection
agents for the exhaust pipes, catalytic converters or heat shields. Such
substances might ignite when driving - risk of fire!
•
•
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your personal style of driving,
the conditions under which your vehicle is operated,
technical aspects.
You can easily improve your fuel economy by 10 - 15 percent by driving in an
economical way with foresight. This section is intended to provide you with a
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