Volkswagen Touran Owners Manual: Driving in a way which will save fuel

Fig. 140 Fuel consumption in litres per 100 km at two different outside temperatures

By adopting an economical driving style and anticipating the traffic situation ahead, you can easily reduce fuel consumption by 10 to 15%.

A car uses 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 has a decisive influence.

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  .

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 fuel consumption as well. Furthermore, raising the tyre pressure only slightly (+ 0.2 bar / + 3 psi / + 20 kPA) can also save fuel.

If you are willing to accept a small loss of driving comfort, the tyre pressure recommended for a fully loaded vehicle can be used at all times. This also applies if you are driving alone and without any luggage.

When purchasing new tyres, always make sure that the tyres have optimum 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 better and more quickly, especially for cold starts. They are especially effective in vehicles which make a lot of short journeys.

Always make sure 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 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 items and loads from the vehicle.

Remove any unnecessary body parts and accessories

The more aerodynamic a vehicle, the lower its fuel consumption. Fittings and accessories, such as roof carriers or bicycle carriers, make the vehicle less aerodynamic.

Therefore, remove any fittings and luggage carriers which are not being used, especially if you are going to be driving at high speeds.