All new Ford models are designed to deliver the best possible fuel efficiency without compromising performance. This is achieved through aerodynamic exterior design that reduces drag, and cutting-edge engine innovations which help to burn fuel frugally with fewer harmful exhaust gases.
Whichever model you choose, you can achieve a better fuel economy by paying careful attention to how you drive. This will help you to save money at the pump and reduce the impact of your journeys on the environment. If all drivers in the UK drove more efficiently by following this advice, it could reduce the UK’s total CO2 emissions by up to 8 percent.
The more weight you have in your car, the harder the engine has to work to get up to speed. The unnecessary weight you carry in the boot is probably costing you a significant amount of money over the course of a year, particularly if you do a lot of city driving. Get rid of anything you do not need from the boot, particularly heavy items, and you will save fuel and see an improvement in your car’s handling.
Tyres which are under-inflated have a higher rolling resistance, which means the engine has to work harder than if they were properly inflated. This uses up more fuel and wears out your tyres more quickly, so you will have to replace them sooner. You should also avoid over-inflating your tyres as this reduces the amount of grip they offer. Your car’s manual will offer advice on the optimum pressure for your tyres and you should check them regularly.
The air conditioning system in your car is powered by the engine and it uses up extra fuel. Turn the air conditioning off when you do not really need it and you will save fuel. However, be careful about opening a window as an alternative way of cooling your car. At high speeds, this increases wind resistance, which can actually be more damaging to your fuel economy than running the air conditioning.
Starting and stopping quickly and darting between lines of traffic may feel as though it saves you time, but studies show it is hardly any quicker than driving smoothly. Accelerating gently and anticipating in advance when you will have to slow down will save fuel and help the components in the engine to last longer, by reducing wear and tear.
Your car has been designed with aerodynamic efficiency in mind, and items such as roof boxes and roof rails compromise the sleek shape. When they are not in use, take items such as these off to reduce drag and minimise fuel consumption.
Your engine is at its most efficient between 2,000 and 3,000 revs per minute, so staying within this range will improve your fuel economy. There is also an optimum point to change gear; in a diesel car this is around 2,000rpm and in a petrol model it is around 2,500rpm.
The elements in your engine wear over time, and as they do so your car will become less efficient. The pipes and filters in the engine system need to be cleaned and worn-out parts should be replaced to prevent wear in the rest of the car. A scheduled service will also flag up any underlying issues which may be reducing the fuel efficiency of your car.