Help!! Gas Mileage decreasing why?
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Help!! Gas Mileage decreasing why?
Over the past few weeks, my gas mileage on my 2006 Ford Escape has decreased from 19.2 to 17.2mpg. I haven't changed anything as far as driving habits, running the AC, tire pressure is good, vehicle still drives the same, etc..
Any ideas on what the cause for the decrease may be?
Any ideas on what the cause for the decrease may be?
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From: PA
Check tire air pressure. Hot temperature affect tires in a big way. Might I remind you of Ford's issue with Firestones a few years back? oops, I see you did that. Well, it still is a good place to look. Are you judging by the data center? If so try resetting and trying again. Then avoid jackrabbit starts, and coast when you can, and if the roofracks are still in place, store them in the garage, they just catch wind anyway. My 05 v-6 get's 20.6 mpg constantly. I keep 40psi in tires that can hold 44psi. I have seen 27 on the highway. in a v-6 awd. Honestly.
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Thanks for the info...I've tried resetting the data center. I'll try reducing the air pressure and see what happens....my gas mileage used to be so much better...I just don't understand what the deal is???
Thanks for the suggestions.
Thanks for the suggestions.
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From: PA
I wouldn't recommend reducing air pressure. First check the Max pressure listed on the side of the tire. Ford recommends on the Escape to have more than 35. If the max is 35, then 35 is what the tire needs to have. It's my own personal preference to have 40 psi in the tires I have due to the fact that they can hold 44. 35psi would be a softer ride, 44psi would get you better gas mileage. I like a little of both worlds.
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From: Warren, MI
I wouldn't recommend reducing air pressure. First check the Max pressure listed on the side of the tire. Ford recommends on the Escape to have more than 35. If the max is 35, then 35 is what the tire needs to have. It's my own personal preference to have 40 psi in the tires I have due to the fact that they can hold 44. 35psi would be a softer ride, 44psi would get you better gas mileage. I like a little of both worlds.
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From: PA
As I said "First check the Max pressure listed on the side of the tire" I already know that Ford recommends on the door panel for the Escape to have 35psi MINIMUM. I worked at a Ford dealer for about 8 years in the parts department, during the time of the Firestone/Explorer debacle. The official statement to dealers stated to put in more than the MINIMUM on the door sticker, but less than the MAX allowable on the tire. If both match, you can put no more or no less than 35.
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From: Warren, MI
As I said "First check the Max pressure listed on the side of the tire" I already know that Ford recommends on the door panel for the Escape to have 35psi MINIMUM. I worked at a Ford dealer for about 8 years in the parts department, during the time of the Firestone/Explorer debacle. The official statement to dealers stated to put in more than the MINIMUM on the door sticker, but less than the MAX allowable on the tire. If both match, you can put no more or no less than 35.
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2003 Escape XLS recommended pressure is 30 PSI also. I run about 32 or 33 PSI though.
I think that is bogus that Ford recommends 35 PSI on the door sticker of any Escape. I know many Escape owners that I talk car talk with, never I have heard any of them say the tire recommendation is that high.
By the way, running excessively high tire pressure is not recommended for a few reasons. First if really over inflated you could lose control of the vehicle because of the increased "bounce" the vehicle will have. Two, you will ultimately wear out your tires much faster than if you have the recommended tire pressure in the tires or just slightly more by a few pounds.
There is a reason why the manufacturer of the vehicle has that sticker on door. It is the law number one, also using the recommended tire pressure will give you the best ride and best tire life.
Riding around with 40 PSI in your tires when there should only be 30 PSI would be like riding around in a bouncing go-cart.
I think that is bogus that Ford recommends 35 PSI on the door sticker of any Escape. I know many Escape owners that I talk car talk with, never I have heard any of them say the tire recommendation is that high.
By the way, running excessively high tire pressure is not recommended for a few reasons. First if really over inflated you could lose control of the vehicle because of the increased "bounce" the vehicle will have. Two, you will ultimately wear out your tires much faster than if you have the recommended tire pressure in the tires or just slightly more by a few pounds.
There is a reason why the manufacturer of the vehicle has that sticker on door. It is the law number one, also using the recommended tire pressure will give you the best ride and best tire life.
Riding around with 40 PSI in your tires when there should only be 30 PSI would be like riding around in a bouncing go-cart.
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From: Warren, MI
I've went around and around in a Hybrid forum about over inflating tires but they care little about ride or anything else except a few extra MPG. They inflated tires marked at 44psi max to 50psi.
I'll have to admit you'll be hard pressed to find much if any info about dangers of over inflating but a ton on under inflating.
The most commonly used reason they give is that tire manufacturers suggest following the auto manufacturer's door sticker because they want you to wear out your tires faster even though they know that over inflating results in longer tire life.
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It doesn't look like the second poster's questions were all answered. In dusty locales, I go through air filters every few months, can make for a big dent in fuel economy. If the fuel filter has never been changed, then it is time...
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Thanks for all the input, folks.
FYI: I've been changing the brand of gas and my gas mileage is climbing back to its "normal" MPG. Evidently BP must have changed their formula for 87 octane.
I haven't adjusted my tire pressure but that is definitely my next step.
Also, my air filter was just changed 1000 miles ago.
Thanks again.
FYI: I've been changing the brand of gas and my gas mileage is climbing back to its "normal" MPG. Evidently BP must have changed their formula for 87 octane.
I haven't adjusted my tire pressure but that is definitely my next step.
Also, my air filter was just changed 1000 miles ago.
Thanks again.
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