How to Improve the Fuel Mileage on a Ford Escape

No matter the economic climate or price of fuel, it’s always good to try and save money any way you can, especially at the gas pump. While dozens of companies offer all sorts of “snake oil” remedies to magically improve the fuel mileage on your Ford Escape, the reality is that getting the most out of your fuel dollars requires nothing new but rather some simple tried and true methods. So don’t listen to the guy screaming about the advantages of the latest oil additive or mechanical device. Instead, follow some practical advice that every mechanic has known for decades.

Check tire pressure with a digital tire pressure gauge every time you get gas. Low tire pressure is the leading cause of poor fuel economy and also reduces tire service life. Examine your Escape's VIN tag, located inside the driver’s door frame, to find the proper tire pressure settings; do not go by what the tire manufacturer says on the tire sidewall.

Inflate tires to the proper setting using compressed air. Either purchase a portable air compressor from a hardware store or swing by a gas station and use theirs for a small fee. Check the tire pressure with a digital gauge when done. Do not use the old slide style gauge as they’re seldom accurate in the beginning and lose accuracy the older they get.

Change the oil and oil filter every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, regardless of what the oil manufacturer tells you. Use a 5w-30 semi-synthetic oil and a professional grade oil filter for best results all year round.

Replace the Escape's fuel filter every 15,000 miles or less. A plugged or restricted fuel filter can adversely affect your fuel economy. While the fuel filter is often the most overlooked filter, in some ways, it’s the most necessary.

Replace your Escape's spark plugs every 100,000 miles. The fuel mileage and engine performance loss are almost imperceptible as spark plugs wear down, but you’re likely to notice a difference once you install new ones.