08 Starting and driving
Use the ECO Guide* which indicates how
fuel-efficiently the car is being driven, see
Eco guide & Power guide* (p. 72).
Catalytic converters
Economical driving
•
The purpose of the catalytic converters is to
purify exhaust gases. They are located close
to the engine so that operating temperature is
reached quickly.
Drive economically and eco-consciously by
driving smoothly, thinking ahead, and adjust-
ing your driving style and speed to the prevail-
ing conditions.
For lowest fuel consumption, activate
Drive mode ECO21.
•
•
Use the Eco Coast22 freewheel function -
engine braking will cease and the car's
kinetic energy can be used to freewheel
for longer distances.
The catalytic converters consist of a monolith
(ceramic or metal) with channels. The channel
walls are lined with a thin layer of platinum/
rhodium/palladium. These metals act as cata-
lysts, i.e. they participate in and accelerate a
chemical reaction without being used up
themselves.
Drive in the highest gear possible, adap-
ted to the current traffic situation and
road - lower engine speeds result in lower
fuel consumption. Use the gear indicator
(p. 274)23.
•
Lambda-sondTM oxygen sensor
The Lambda-sond is part of a control system
intended to reduce emissions and improve
fuel economy. For more information, see Fuel
consumption and CO2 emissions (p. 416).
Drive at a steady speed and keep a good
distance to other vehicles and objects to
minimise braking.
•
•
•
High speed results in increased fuel con-
sumption - the wind resistance increases
with speed.
An oxygen sensor monitors the oxygen con-
tent of the exhaust gases leaving the engine.
This value is fed into an electronic system
that continuously controls the injectors. The
ratio of fuel to air directed to the engine is
continuously adjusted. These adjustments
create optimal conditions for efficient com-
bustion, and together with the three-way cat-
alytic converter reduce harmful emissions
(hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and nitrous
oxides).
Do not run the engine to operating tem-
perature at idling speed, but rather drive
with a normal load right after starting - a
cold engine consumes more fuel than a
warm one.
Drive with the correct air pressure in the
tyres and check this regularly - select
ECO tyre pressure for best results, see
Tyres - approved tyre pressures (p. 420).
•
•
Choice of tyres can affect fuel consump-
tion - seek advice on suitable tyres from a
dealer.
08
Related information
Fuel - petrol (p. 306)
•
Fuel - diesel (p. 306)
•
310
* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
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