Smart Driving Tips
There are a variety of factors that can affect fuel economy and, with a few changes in driving habits, more time can be spent behind the wheel and less time at the pump.
- Watch your Speed: Aim for a constant speed. Pumping the accelerate sends more fuel into the engine. Using cruise control whenever possible on the highway helps maintain speeds and conserve fuel.
- Accelerate and brake smoothly: Accelerating smoothly form a stop and braking softly conserves fuel. Maintain a safe distance between vehicles and anticipate traffic conditions to allow for more time to brake and accelerate gradually.
- No Idling: Today's engines don't need a warm-up. Start the car immediately and gently drive away. Don't leave your car idling. Turn the engine off in non-traffic situations, such as at a bank drive-up window, when idling for more than 30 seconds.
- Check your tires: Keeping tires properly inflated can reduce the average amount of fuel use by 3 to 4 percent. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and reduce fuel economy.
- Be kind to your vehicle: Proper engine tune-ups help keep vehicles running efficiently. Also, keep the wheels aligned. Wheels that are fighting each other waste fuel. Replace air filters as recommended.
- Travel Light: Avoid piling luggage on the roof rack. Adding weight to the frontal area reduces aerodynamics and hurts fuel economy by up to 5 percent. Remove excess weight from the vehicle as well.
- Minimize use of climate control: Use heating and air conditioning selectively to reduce the load on the engine. Using the A/C less when temperatures are above 80 degrees can save 10 to 15 percent of fuel.
- Close windows at high speeds: Don't drive with the windows open when traveling over 50 mph. Driving with the windows open at highway speeds increase aerodynamic drag on the vehicle and lowers fuel economy.
- Choose the right oil: Use good quality lubricants with the viscosity grade recommended in the Owner Guide. Ford recommends SAE 5W-20 oil for most cars and trucks to provide the best fuel economy.
- Consolidate trips: Combine errands into a single trip and plan your route to avoid congested areas.
