How do I maximise my fuel economy?
There are many ways to increase how far you can drive on a tank of fuel, with some of them being easy to work into everyday vehicle ownership. However, some things will work for some and not for others (reducing the time you tow, for instance). To help you reduce your fuel consumption, we have gathered a list of advice to assist.
Please click on each of the recommendations below for more information:
Drive Smoothly
Accelerating quickly and braking hard is not only going to wear things out, it also increases how much fuel you use. Driving smoothly by modulating your accelerating and braking to match traffic and driving conditions will help bring down fuel consumption.
Use Cruise Control
Accelerating quickly and braking hard is not only going to wear things out, it also increases how much fuel you use. Driving smoothly by modulating your accelerating and braking to match traffic and driving conditions will help bring down fuel consumption.
Run-in your Vehicle
If you have purchased a brand-new car, your engine needs to run in, or 'loosen up', as some mechanics say. Once you have travelled over 8,000kms, the combination of oil and fuel will have helped let your engine settle in and perform at its optimum level. It's best to start paying closer attention to your fuel consumption after this odometer reading.
Service Regularly
Following Ford's service schedule, and using the recommended products by getting your oils and filters replaced at the right time will help keep your car in top shape. Also, using the incorrect oil in your engine can increase fuel consumption by 2%.
Travel Light
It is estimated that carrying an extra 45kg of items in your car can increase fuel consumption by 2%, so travel light where you can. It's also worth keeping in mind that the more people you have in the car, the more fuel you will use as well.
De-Accessorise
Power-drawing features like air-conditioning and heated seats will cause your engine to help create electricity, which means it needs to use more fuel to drive the alternator. If you would like to use less fuel, turning off some features when not needed will help.
Idle Less
Features like Auto Stop/Start mitigate fuel used whilst not moving. To maximise your fuel consumption, try and pick routes that have less stopping and starting within them.
Use The Correct Fuel
Using the right fuel will help achieve the best fuel consumption for your vehicle. If you are unsure what that is for your car, you can check your Owner's Manual, or contact your local Ford Dealership if you are stuck.
Check Your Tyres
The old saying 'check your water, oil and tyres' is more than just good vehicle ownership practice. Making sure your tyres are in good condition and properly inflated will make sure your fuel consumption is as low as it can be.