FORD 2008 Escape Hybrid v.1 - Manual (Page 272)

• Drive at a smooth, constant speed. Excessive variation in pedal input
causes more operating mode changes and reduces efficiency.
• Drive at reasonable speeds. Traveling at 60 mph [96 km/h] uses
approximately 20% less fuel than traveling at 70 mph [112 km/h]).
• Minimize A/C and defroster usage. Selecting defrost, or defrost/floor
mode on the climate control system will force the engine to run
continuously, which reduces fuel economy. Selecting AUTO will
typically force the engine to run continuously, unless ECON is
selected.
• Minimize temperature extremes when the vehicle is parked, for
example by storing in a garage to avoid extreme cold in winter and
extreme sun loads in summer. The high voltage battery operates more
efficiently in moderate temperatures.
• Combine errands. Your vehicle is more fuel efficient when the engine
is warm. Driving to your farthest destination first will warm the engine
more quickly and may improve fuel economy for the rest of the trip.
Maintenance
• Keep tires properly inflated and use only recommended size.
• Keep wheels properly aligned.
• Use recommended engine oil. Refer to Lubricant specifications in
this chapter.
• Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the
recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found in scheduled maintenance information.
Conditions
• Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy
at any speed.
• Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately
1 mpg [0.4 km/L] is lost for every 300 lb [136 kg] of weight carried).
• Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example bug
deflectors, rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski/luggage racks, flags)
may reduce fuel economy.
• Using fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel economy.
• Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel economy as compared to
driving on mountainous terrain.
• Close windows for high speed driving.
2008 Escape Hybrid (ehv)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
272