Fredness
Elite Explorer
- Joined
- June 2, 2000
- Messages
- 664
- Reaction score
- 38
- City, State
- Tejas!
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- '05 Sport Trac Adrenalin
This is a customer's vehicle with 32,000 miles and as long as I don't post identifying images/info they agreed to let me do testing since the vehicle was out of service until next week.
Now, before anyone gets nit-picky, this is somewhat anecdotal as there is no controlled environment and no "control" vehicle for comparison - all results are "non-scientific", but repeatable.
Lease return that had all maintenance covered until recently. 5K on the clock since last oil change (Dino oil) - Not a severe duty vehicle, so that's fine.
They are complaining about gas mileage (who isn't these days?), their average: 14.4MPG (see image 1):
I chose to start with the obvious; the data - garbage in, garbage out and all...
Customer is basing the MPG on the MPG display from the PCM, since the have gone to a +6 size (22's : ), I started with the odometer - >1% speedo error, actually closer than factory specs. GPS confirmed, not it.
Next, the Driver.
I took this on the same route, and with the usual changes: light throttle, plan actions by looking further ahead, use cruise control as much as possible, reduce braking and keep it at 60MPH or less. This nets a nice 29% increase to 18.6MPG (image 2).
Next is Routine Maintenance.
We go to the source, the Motorcraft Service site (non-applicable items removed for brevity):
❑ Change engine oil and replace oil filter - **
❑ Inspect automatic transmission/transaxle fluid level on all other vehicles if equipped with dipstick. Consult your dealer for particular requirements.
❑ Replace engine air filter - ***
❑ Replace fuel filter - **
❑ Inspect steering linkage, suspension and, if equipped, driveshaft, ball joints and U-joints
❑ Inspect engine cooling system and hoses
❑ Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, brake lines and hoses and parking brake system. - **
❑ Inspect exhaust system and heat shields
❑ Lubricate ball joints and U-joints (if equipped with zerk fittings)
❑ Perform multi-point inspection (recommended)
❑ Rotate tires, inspect tires for wear and measure tread depth - **
❑ Inspect wheels for end play and noise - *
Each asterisk is how much I expect the item to improve
Air Filter is the easiest, and with 32,000 on the clock and Motorcraft's blessing (image 3), we see an additional 6% increase (image 4).
If you care, stay tuned for Oil/Filter and Fuel Filter. I'll also add any surprises, like the TPMS Fault because the new rims and tires were installed without sensors!
Now, before anyone gets nit-picky, this is somewhat anecdotal as there is no controlled environment and no "control" vehicle for comparison - all results are "non-scientific", but repeatable.
Lease return that had all maintenance covered until recently. 5K on the clock since last oil change (Dino oil) - Not a severe duty vehicle, so that's fine.
They are complaining about gas mileage (who isn't these days?), their average: 14.4MPG (see image 1):
I chose to start with the obvious; the data - garbage in, garbage out and all...
Customer is basing the MPG on the MPG display from the PCM, since the have gone to a +6 size (22's : ), I started with the odometer - >1% speedo error, actually closer than factory specs. GPS confirmed, not it.
Next, the Driver.
I took this on the same route, and with the usual changes: light throttle, plan actions by looking further ahead, use cruise control as much as possible, reduce braking and keep it at 60MPH or less. This nets a nice 29% increase to 18.6MPG (image 2).
Next is Routine Maintenance.
We go to the source, the Motorcraft Service site (non-applicable items removed for brevity):
❑ Change engine oil and replace oil filter - **
❑ Inspect automatic transmission/transaxle fluid level on all other vehicles if equipped with dipstick. Consult your dealer for particular requirements.
❑ Replace engine air filter - ***
❑ Replace fuel filter - **
❑ Inspect steering linkage, suspension and, if equipped, driveshaft, ball joints and U-joints
❑ Inspect engine cooling system and hoses
❑ Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, brake lines and hoses and parking brake system. - **
❑ Inspect exhaust system and heat shields
❑ Lubricate ball joints and U-joints (if equipped with zerk fittings)
❑ Perform multi-point inspection (recommended)
❑ Rotate tires, inspect tires for wear and measure tread depth - **
❑ Inspect wheels for end play and noise - *
Each asterisk is how much I expect the item to improve
Air Filter is the easiest, and with 32,000 on the clock and Motorcraft's blessing (image 3), we see an additional 6% increase (image 4).
If you care, stay tuned for Oil/Filter and Fuel Filter. I'll also add any surprises, like the TPMS Fault because the new rims and tires were installed without sensors!