Get While driving -> Driving with respect for the environment Guide for Volkswagen Up 4 Door Second Generation (2019-2023)

Driving with respect for the environment

Introduction

This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:

⇒ An economic driving style

⇒ Driving in a fuel-efficient manner

Fuel economy, environmental impact and wear on the engine, brakes and tyres depend largely on

three factors:

•

Personal driving style.

Conditions of use (weather, road surface).

Technical conditions.

Depending on your personal driving style, a few simple measures can help save fuel by up to 25%.

WARNING

Adapt your speed and distance from the vehicles ahead to suit visibility, weather, road and

traffic conditions.

An economic driving style

First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒

Introduction

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 automated manual 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 when 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

Even more important than speed is smoothness: 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.

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:

•

The cooling function of the air conditioning system: if the air conditioning system is set to a very

high or low temperature it will require a lot of energy, which is generated by the engine.

Therefore the temperature setting in the vehicle should not vary too much from the outside

temperature. It may be a good idea to air the vehicle before setting off and then to travel a short

distance with the windows open. The air conditioning system should then be switched on once

the windows have been closed.

Keep the windows closed when driving at high speeds. Having the windows open increases fuel

consumption.

•

Switch the seat heating off as soon as it has served its purpose.

Switch the rear window heating off as soon as the window has defogged and is clear of ice.

Other factors that increase fuel consumption (examples):

•

Fault in engine management.

•

Driving in hilly regions.

Driving in a fuel-efficient manner

Fig. 102 Fuel consumption in litres per 100 km at two different outside temperatures

First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒

Introduction

By adopting an economical driving style and anticipating the traffic situation ahead, you can easily

reduce 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

minimise fuel consumption and emissions. The outside 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. 102.

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.

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 resistance and therefore also fuel consumption.

Ensure that any new tyres purchased have optimum rolling resistance.

Using 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 better and more quickly, especially for cold

starts. They are especially effective in vehicles that make a lot of short journeys.

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 ensure that it complies with engine oil norms and has been

approved by Volkswagen.

Avoid unnecessary loads

The lighter the vehicle, the more economical and environmentally-friendly it is. An extra weight of

100 kg can increase fuel consumption by up to 0.3 l/100 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 equipment and luggage carriers that are not in use,

especially if you are going to be driving at high speeds.

Steering

Introduction

This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:

⇒ Warning and indicator lamps

⇒ Information on steering

Depending on its equipment level the vehicle may have power steering.

The power steering is not hydraulic. It is an electromechanical system. The advantage of this

steering system is that no hydraulic hoses, hydraulic oil, pumps, filter or other parts are required.

The electromechanical system reduces fuel consumption. A hydraulic system requires constant oil

pressure in the system, whereas an electromechanical steering system only needs an energy

supply while steering.

The power steering provided by the electromechanical steering system automatically adjusts to the

vehicle speed, steering wheel torque and steering wheel angle. The electromechanical steering

only functions when the engine is running.

Additional information and warnings:

•

Starting and stopping the engine ⇒ Starting and stopping the engine

Battery ⇒ Vehicle battery

Tow-starting and towing ⇒ Tow-starting and towing

WARNING

If the power steering is not working, the steering wheel is difficult to turn, which makes it

difficult to steer the vehicle.

•

The power steering only functions when the engine is running.

Never allow the vehicle to roll if the engine is switched off.

Never remove the vehicle key from the ignition lock when the vehicle is in motion. The

steering lock may be activated and you will no longer be able to steer the vehicle.

Warning and indicator lamps

First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒

Introduction

Lit up Possible cause

Solution

The electromechanical steering is faulty The steering should be checked by a

or not working.

qualified workshop as soon as possible.

The steering should be checked by a

qualified workshop as soon as possible.

If the yellow warning lamp remains off after

the ignition has been restarted and you have

driven a short distance, you do not need to

consult a qualified workshop.

Electromechanical steering function

reduced.

The vehicle battery has been

disconnected and reconnected.

Drive a short distance at a speed of

15 – 20 km/h (9 – 12 mph).

Several warning and indicator lamps will light up briefly as a functional check when the ignition is

switched on. They will go out soon afterwards.

While driving -> Driving with respect for the environment for Your Volkswagen Up 4 Door Second Generation (2019-2023)

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