The Benefits of NitroFill

Tires filled with compressed air lose 1 psi for every 10 degree drop in temperature. And under inflated tires wear faster, reduce fuel economy and are more susceptible to damage from road hazards. You can protect against these issues with a NitroFill service. Tires inflated with NitroFill are less susceptible to pressure loss with drops in temperature.

"Replacing the air in your tires, and properly maintaining them with NitroFill can increase your tire life by as much as 50%, increase your fuel economy by as much as 10% and decrease your chances of experiencing a tire failure by as much as 75%... all while reducing your carbon foot print*" (www.nitrofill.com).

How much can NitroFill save you? 

• Tire Wear/Longevity Savings: $750
• Fuel Consumption Savings: $300
• Tire Road Hazard Coverage: $200
• Motor Club Membership: $199

Total Savings: $1,449


NitroFill Service Includes: 

• Unlimited Roadside Assistance
• 24 Hour Emergency Battery Service
• 24 Hour Emergency Fluid Delivery
• Lost Key and Lockout Service
• Travel Benefits
• Trip Routing Service
• Theft and Hit & Run Protection
• Trip Interruption Coverage
• ...and More!

*Tire Wear/Longevity Savings based upon 4 tires for the 2018 Ford Mustang (265-35-R20) $1,500 and 50% increase in tire life per the Clemson University Nitrogen Tire Inflation Study (click here to view complete report) based upon 12,000 annual miles over 36,000 mile life of tires. Fuel Consumption Savings based upon EPA's published Annual Average Fuel Economy for US Passenger Vehicles: 24.1 MPG X 12,000 annual miles and the 2017 National average gas price per gallon. 

**Complete details are provided upon customer registration as benefits may vary. See your NitroFill Dealer (Hilbish Ford - 2600 S. Cannon Blvd, Kannapolis, NC / (877) 843-6193) for more information.

When Should I Check My Brakes?

By the time you start hearing screeching or grinding, some brake damage has already occurred. 

You want to inspect your brakes regularly so that rotor damage (one cause of those not-so-lovely sounds) doesn’t become an issue. A good rule of thumb is to have your brakes inspected every time you have your oil changed.

Maintaining enough material on your brake pads protects the rotor. As your brake pads wear, of course, they get thinner. The fronts wear faster than the rear brake pads by a ratio of about 2:1 because there is more load placed on the front when stopping.

Weather doesn’t really affect how fast your brakes wear, but it’s important to know that in really cold weather, you might temporarily hear a grinding or squealing sound just the first few times you apply the brakes—on a cold morning as you’re pulling out of the driveway, for instance. The friction from applying the brakes warms them quickly, so you shouldn’t hear that sound once the brakes have been applied a few times. If you do, you’ll want to bring your vehicle to our Service Center for an inspection. 

5 Reasons to Care About Worn Shocks & Struts

Winter can be rough on your car’s suspension, and spring (hello, potholes!) can make it even worse. Here’s what can happen if you ignore some key warning signs—and tips on when to have your shocks and struts replaced, to help keep you cruising into summer.

1. Reduced Braking Ability

When your shocks or struts become worn down, your vehicle "jounces" more over bumps, which means it bounces up and down. This makes braking more difficult and could significantly increase your stopping distance. So take note: If your vehicle is taking longer than usual to stop, or if it is nose-diving when you do so (another sign of decreased traction), have your vehicle checked by a Ford technician. A suspension check is part of the Multi-Point Inspection included in The Works™ package; during the inspection technicians will ensure that all possible pothole-related damage is assessed, and you’ll have less to worry about.

2. Less Control on Corners

Watch out for an exaggerated “body roll” when you turn corners—this is when you feel yourself and your vehicle tilting a bit more than normal, which can be a sign of damaged shocks or struts. If that’s happening to you, take your vehicle in for a suspension check right away, because excessive body roll can affect your ability to safely steer around obstructions in the road.

3. Rougher Ride

Getting jostled on your journey is not only uncomfortable, it can affect your ability to safely control your vehicle. Try a quick bounce test at home by pushing down firmly on the front and rear of your vehicle. If the car moves up and down more than once or twice, have your shocks and struts checked at your Ford dealer.

4. Tire Wear

When struts or shocks are worn out, your tires wear out faster. A damaged strut or shock can also contribute to quicker wear on the other steering components of the vehicle, like rods and wheel bearings. If you notice a rumbling or increased vibrations at higher speeds, have a technician look for “cupping” on your tires, which is a type of scalloped wear pattern associated with struts and shocks. Cupping happens when your car jounces up and down, leaving indented scuff marks on the tires, and is a big red flag that your suspension needs repairing.

5. More Hydroplaning & Skidding

Worn shocks and struts can affect the way your wheels engage with the road, especially when roads are slick. If your vehicle is sliding or hydroplaning frequently, get your suspension checked by a Ford technician - before April showers arrive.

If you think your shocks and struts are worn, bring your vehicle to the Hilbish Ford Service Center to have a trained technician inspect them.  Visit our website today or call (877) 843-6193.

Source: My Ford Magazine

How does tire pressure work and how does it affect my drive?

Tire pressure is the measure of air in your tires. Learn how it works and why maintaining it is one of the most important vehicle safety measures you can take.

1. How does it work?

Air molecules within the tire moving around 1,000 miles per hour push outward, creating tension and inflating your tire.

2. How does it affect my driving?

Correct tire pressure helps ensure proper stability and braking, allowing for a safe, comfortable and fuel-optimized ride.

3. What happens if my tire is underinflated?

An underinflated tire will put undue wear on the shoulders of the tread, leading to poor driving performance, decreased road grip and an increased chance of hydroplaning.

4. How is it measured?

If your vehicle has it, your Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) will monitor your tire pressure and let you know if any of your tires are significantly underinflated. If not, use a tire pressure gauge and air pump to check to see if it matches your vehicle tire label on the B-pillar or driver’s door.

5. How often should I check my tire pressure?

On average, tires lose around 1 psi of pressure a month, and lose an additional 1 psi for every 10-degree drop in outside temperature. You should check your pressure before long trips or after particularly strenuous drives.


Need to bring your vehicle in for service?  Contact the Service Department at Hilbish Ford today at 877-843-6193 or visit our website at www.hilbishford.com.

Which Tires Should I Get For Winter?

 Prepare your Ford for your upcoming holiday travels and winter with these simple tire-buying tips:

1. How can I get my car ready for winter weather conditions?
There are all-terrain tires that offer improved traction in various conditions. Winter tires are designed with rubber compounds that deliver optimal safety and control in cold-weather conditions and wet-weather tires have treads that channel water away from under the tire.

2. If I already have all-season tires, do I really need winter tires?
If you live somewhere with a relatively mild climate, then all-season tires should work just fine. But if you live closer to the Snow Belt or if your all-season tires have some wear on them, then you could be put at risk.

3. Should I get the same type of tires my vehicle came with?
Ford original tires are designed to make the most of your vehicle’s performance, so it’s generally a good idea to stick with them. However, there are times when your driving conditions might require options better suited to your specific needs. The service technicians at your local Ford Dealer Service Center can help you troubleshoot.

4. Do different tires last longer?
All-season and touring tires generally have longer tread lives than performance tires. Other factors, such as vehicle type and driving tendencies (driving hard will often cause tires to deteriorate faster), also play a role in their life span.

5. Will I get a better ride out of some tires than others?
That depends on what you’re looking for. Certain types of tires, such as all-season and touring, are designed for comfort and stability, while performance tires provide higher-speed capability.

Don't take any risks this holiday and winter season.  If your car or truck is in need of new tires, get them before your holiday travels.  Click here to see Hilbish Ford's tires.

Extreme Heat Survival Guide

Nothing’s worse than stepping into a boiling-hot car. Try these tips to cool down fast.

To Keep Yourself Cool...

Immediately turn on the AC.

It’s an age-old debate: Do you hit the AC as soon as you get into the car or wait until the engine gets going? The answer: Blast those suckers as soon as possible. But make sure you set the AC to fresh air (not recirculate, which draws heat from the interior) and adjust the air to come through the lower openings, not the upper ones; this will push the hot air out from the bottom. Then roll down the windows. Once the hot air has escaped, close the windows and open all the vents. For more on Ford climate controls, watch these videos for Ford Escape/Focus/C-MAX, Ford Fusion or Ford Focus.

Park in the shade—or make your own.

This may seem obvious, but parking your vehicle in a cool, sheltered area really can make the difference between whether you end up smiling or sizzling. Covering both the front and rear windows with a high-quality sun shade while it’s parked can also greatly reduce the heat and protect your vehicle’s interior from harmful UV rays.

Crack open the windows while parked.

The hot air in your vehicle is essentially an abundance of energy, trapped with nowhere to go, like an oven. Leaving your windows open about a half-inch will allow some of the heat to escape—which will make a noticeable difference inside. You can purchase side window deflectors that will help keep your car protected from vandals and the elements while allowing airflow.

Consider your loved ones before leaving the house.

Simple precautionary steps—such as dressing appropriately and packing cold drinks in a portable, secured cooler—can make long drives in high temperatures much more comfortable. Never leave children or pets alone in a parked car. When it’s 85 degrees outside, the temperature inside a vehicle can reach 102 degrees within 10 minutes, even with the windows cracked open, and can get up to 120 degrees within a half-hour. For the same reason, don’t leave any electronics in the car, unless you bought your gadget on Venus.

Throw in the towel.

Keep a towel in your car to give an extra layer of protection for bare legs on hot seats in the summertime. It can also come in handy as a cleanup rag whenever you need it.


To Help Your Car Beat the Heat...

Inspect your vehicle before high temperatures hit.

Just like the frigid cold, extreme heat can exacerbate problems all over your vehicle. It can cause your vehicle’s tires to deflate more rapidly, belts and hoses to crack and battery to drain. This means everything should be in top shape before the sweltering begins. Start by checking your tire pressure. It’s important to do this only when your tires are “cold”—meaning the vehicle has been parked for at least one hour in the shade—or the reading won’t be accurate. Remove the tire valve cap and place the tire pressure gauge on it firmly. The number shown on the screen or dial (depending on whether the gauge is digital or analog) is your current tire pressure. Your vehicle’s operating inflation level is listed on the tire placard, which is often located on the doorjamb. If your tire’s pressure is low, use an air pump to add air. If it’s high, release air by pressing the tire valve stem. Then recheck. Once the tire is properly inflated, replace the valve cap.

Next, examine your battery for excess wear or corrosion, which can be caused by hot temperatures evaporating the battery fluid more quickly. Corrosion can take the form of rust, cracks in the battery’s body or a white powdery substance caused by chemical buildup. Cleaning a battery can be hazardous, so it’s best to get it looked at by a Ford technician.

Heed your warning lights.

If your battery warning light—you know, the one that comes on momentarily when you turn the ignition—stays on, that means you could potentially have an alternator problem. Extreme heat and the heavy use of your air conditioner can be tough on your alternator, so if the warning light persists, have your vehicle checked at your local Ford Dealer Service Center right away. (Find out the five warning signs of a faulty alternator.)

Check the coolant.

It’s also crucial to make sure your vehicle’s coolant system is always properly filled. If it isn’t, the engine could overheat, causing your car to break down. Most new vehicles have a visible fill tank that you can open and check yourself. If your coolant is low, follow these instructions on how to refill it.

Lose weight.

No, you’re not too fat—but if your vehicle is carrying a heavy load, it can be tough on your transmission, which is already stressed from the summer heat. Also don’t forget to change the transmission fluid and filter. Check your owner’s manual, available online at owner.ford.com for the recommended maintenance schedule based on your vehicle’s model, make and year.

Protect your vehicle’s exterior and interior.

Constant, direct sun exposure can cause paint to crack and upholstery to fade. For the exterior, use sealant or wax—a good coat should protect your vehicle for the whole summer. For the interior, apply fabric protectant (but be sure to test it on a small area first) to help preserve its appearance. Now you’re ready to go out and enjoy a sunny drive.

Dimmed Lights? Whining Sound? Bad Smell? Uh Oh!

Let’s start by getting one thing out of the way: What is an alternator anyway? Your alternator is responsible for preserving your vehicle’s electrical equilibrium; its primary job is to generate an electrical charge that replenishes your battery as you drive. In summertime it’s essential to recognize the warning signs of a faulty alternator—because excessive heat and heavy use of the air conditioning can push your alternator to the brink. Ignore these symptoms, and you could find yourself experiencing the fine summer weather while stranded on the side of the road.

Dashboard Warning

You know that battery warning light that comes on when you turn on the ignition? (Check your owner’s manual for the exact location/appearance of the light in your vehicle.) It should disappear when the engine starts. When this warning light remains on, you have a charging system problem. That could mean you also have an alternator problem.

If this happens to you, head to your Ford Service Center for a battery and charging system test. This test can pinpoint whether the charging system is weak or not working at all—and whether you need a new alternator.

Dim Lights

Sometimes, a weak alternator can affect your car’s lights. If you notice your headlamps or dash lights are dimmer than normal, ask a buddy to help you do a quick test: Start your car, turn on the headlights and press on the accelerator. (Be sure to do this outdoors, not in your garage, to avoid dangerous carbon monoxide fumes.) Have your friend observe. Do the headlamps flicker, dim or get brighter? If the answer is yes, your alternator may be going bad. If the brightness of your lights stays consistent, the problem may lie with the battery, not your alternator.

Dead Battery

Speaking of batteries, it’s important to remember that they aren’t meant to provide long-term power. Instead, car batteries are designed to deliver enough of a jolt to get the car started and then pretty much just sit quietly while the alternator assumes its role as the ongoing power source.

If you turn the key and discover your car won’t start, that dead battery could be a signal that your alternator has flatlined. When the alternator fails, the battery is left to power the vehicle on its own. And eventually, even the most reliable battery will run out of juice.

Luckily, there’s an easy way to find out whether the battery or the alternator is responsible: Jump-start your car and then swiftly remove the cables. Wait a few minutes. If the car dies again, the alternator isn’t properly charging the system and it may need to be replaced. If the car keeps running, then the issue might be your battery. Head to your Ford Service Center, where you can buy a new battery or have a certified technician test your battery’s charge.

Noisy Belts

Do you hear whining even with no toddlers in your vehicle? Chances are, it’s the sound of a misaligned serpentine belt—the long, winding piece of rubber that drives everything from your air conditioning to your steering pump to…your alternator.

The alternator also features a pulley that spins on a shaft, which is supported by either bearings or brushings. An annoying droning sound could mean the pulley and the serpentine belt aren’t in correct alignment, or the bearings and brushings are worn. Consider the noise a wake-up call for an immediate inspection.

Strange Smells

A burning-rubber smell is another sensory cue that your alternator could be in trouble. Once again, the serpentine belt may be the culprit. If it’s not turning freely, it could push additional friction to the belt and generate heat, which, in turn, produces that scent. An overheated alternator can also trigger smells better suited for the racetrack than the interstate. Hold your breath and head over to Hilbish Ford.

Car Maintenance Tips: My Check-Engine Light Won't Go Off

It’s the worst when you’re driving and you realize, “Oh no, my check-engine light won’t go off!” Unfortunately this warning light is not something you can just wish away. 

Here are car maintenance tips for what to do if that light stays on—and some possible triggers that caused it, from most common to least.

1. The first thing you should do when your check-engine warning light remains lit is check the gas cap, if your vehicle has one. A loose, ill-fitting or broken fuel cap can cause a vapor leak somewhere in the fuel-tank system, says Ford senior master technician Jim Twitchell. The Environmental Protection Agency has mandated that fuel-tank systems must be sealed, because as gasoline evaporates, it releases hydrocarbons into the air as contaminants, Twitchell explains. “Any break in that seal can cause a system warning light to be set.”

2. If adjusting your gas cap doesn’t do the trick, you’ll need to take your vehicle into a Ford Dealer Service Center to be checked. The check-engine light is activated when the engine’s computer has detected a code signaling that something is wrong; your service technician has a special tool to read the code and pinpoint the problem. If your state has a smog-check requirement, your vehicle will automatically fail the test if the check-engine light is on, notes Twitchell. So before doing a smog test, be sure to take care of any issues that would trigger this light. Besides a loose gas cap, other problems that could activate the check-engine light are:

• Damaged spark plugs, wires or coils. Spark plugs, wires and coils can be harmed by pressure-washing the engine (don’t force pressurized water into any wiring, fuse boxes, etc., under the hood, Twitchell advises) or by rodents gnawing on wires. That’s right: On cold evenings, your warm car is inviting to rats and mice, especially if you park near rodent food sources (such as garbage cans), or prime rodent nesting areas, such as ivy or other heavy groundcover. 

• Thermostat issues. Your check-engine light can come on if your vehicle’s thermostat detects overheating or if your car isn’t getting up to the correct engine temperature in the proper amount of time. 

• Malfunctioning catalytic converter. The catalytic converter cleans the exhaust coming from the engine before it’s released into the atmosphere. “The insides of the ‘cat’ may crack and/or come apart over time, and this can prevent these exhaust gases from getting out,” Twitchell explains. In addition to the warning light, you may notice a reduction in power and sometimes a rattling noise.

• Faulty mass airflow sensor. This sensor reads the amount of air coming into the engine. Either too much or not enough air can cause the check-engine light to come on. “The mass air sensor measures how hard the engine is working and calculates the load,” says Twitchell. A dirty or torn air filter can lead to problems with the sensor. “The seals keep dirt and other foreign elements out of the mass air sensor. Choosing a cheap replacement air filter can lead to an expensive repair down the road.”

• Malfunctioning oxygen sensor. The oxygen sensor measures the oxygen coming out in the vehicle’s exhaust. This information is used by the engine’s computer to determine how long the fuel injector stays on, and a damaged sensor can activate the check-engine light. (Twitchell points out that the oxygen sensor fails much less often in newer cars, so if your vehicle was built within the past five years, this is less likely to be the cause of the warning light.)

• Faulty exhaust gas recirculation valve.This valve takes exhaust gases and puts them back into the engine’s combustion chamber. If this valve becomes stuck either open or closed, the result can trigger a check-engine light. (Newer vehicles usually don’t have this valve.)

The most important thing to remember: Don’t ignore your check-engine light, because if you wait too long to have your car checked, you risk erasing the engine codes, which makes it more difficult to diagnose the issue. Once you fix the underlying problem, the check-engine light should go off. It’s as simple as that. 

7 Winter Maintenance Tips for Ford Owners

Congratulations: You’ve made it halfway through the chilliest season of the year. Now you just need to get through the final stretch before spring arrives in all its glory. Follow these winter maintenance tips to help keep your vehicle running smoothly—because road trip season is just around the corner.


1. Check the battery. Battery issues are the most frequent cause of breakdowns, and cold temperatures can drain batteries far faster than warm ones. You may be able to head off disaster if you simply keep your battery in good shape.

DIY: Examine the battery terminals and cables, making sure they’re tight and free of corrosion.

Take it to your Ford Dealer Service Center for a battery check if: the battery grinds or clicks when you start up, your headlights are dim or your battery is more than three years old.


2. Winterize your wiper system. It’s a good idea to install winter wipers; they’re stronger—to move snow and ice—and have an extra layer of rubber to protect against corrosion and rust. And we suggest using Motorcraft® Windshield Washer Fluid with the necessary freeze protection level for your area.

DIY: Changing your own wipers is not too tough. Just check your owner’s manual for the correct blade size and specific instructions on how to replace yours—or follow these seven easy steps. Consider Motorcraft® Winter Wipers, which have a neoprene anti-icing boot and application-driven pressure points to keep the blades on the windshield. Learn how to refill your washer fluid here.


3. Get your tires right. Winter’s icy, wet roads will affect your tires’ traction. But when are winter tires necessary? The general rule of thumb is that in areas of extreme snow and ice you should use winter tires, which are designed to push slush away and keep you on the road. In areas of light or moderate snow, go with all-season tires.

DIY: Find out which tires match your Ford vehicle and driving conditions here.

Take it to your Ford Dealer Service Center if: your alignment feels off. The Works™ package from Ford covers a tire rotation and pressure check, which can help you avoid uneven wear and increase your fuel economy.


4. Check and change your oil. Nobody wants to be stuck on the highway when it’s 10 degrees outside. So keep in mind: Colder temperatures can cause oil to thicken, which makes it more difficult for the oil to
travel through your engine...which can lead to a failure.

DIY: We recommend Ford’s Motorcraft® oil, which is specially designed to prevent over-thickening in low temperatures.

Take it to your Ford Dealer Service Center if: you want to save time and increase convenience—an oil change is included in The Works™ package.


5. Regularly check your coolant. Not only does coolant keep your engine from overheating in the summer, it prevents engine fluids from freezing in the winter. But when your coolant ages, the freezing protection can diminish. Check your owner’s manual to find out the recommended interval between coolant changes.

DIY: Monitor your coolant levels every time you fill up your tank, and top up as needed—it’s simple.


6. Inspect belts and hoses for cracks or fraying. Pliable materials in belts and hoses are more likely to get brittle and break in the winter, because the cold makes them stiffer. A damaged belt will reduce your engine’s efficiency, and a leaky hose could lead to an overheated engine and costly repairs.

DIY: Look for frays, cracking or glazed surfaces in the belt and hoses. Pinch and squeeze the belt; if it pulls more than a half-inch, it might need to be adjusted.

Take it to your Ford Dealer Service Center if: you hear squealing sounds from the engine, which could mean your belts are damaged and need replacing.


7. Pay attention to your suspension. Every time you hit a bump in the road, your suspension takes a hit to smooth your ride. And because it is located on the underside of your vehicle, the suspension is especially susceptible to damage in the winter, because of the increased grime, salt, gravel and potholes.

DIY: Perform a bounce test. First, park your car in a safe environment. Second, push firmly on one side of the vehicle. It should bounce and settle back in one smooth motion.

Take it to your Ford Dealer Service Center if: your vehicle rocks several times in the bounce test, you feel vibrations in the steering wheel or seat, or it shakes more than usual when you hit a bump.

For more information about cold weather problems we commonly see in vehicles, contact Hilbish Ford's Service Center at 877-843-6193 or visit www.hilbishford.com.

How to Maximize Your Ford's Fuel Economy While Driving

You may think that your vehicle’s fuel economy is set, based on its combined MPG rating.

 

But did you know that how you drive, as well as how you maintain your vehicle, can make a big difference in your vehicle’s fuel consumption?

 

Use the following tips to help maximize your fuel economy while driving:

 

Drive smoothly

Aggressive driving wastes fuel—especially while driving at highway speeds. So accelerate smoothly, brake softer and earlier, and stay in one lane while it’s safe to do so. Not only do these driving techniques save fuel, they can also prolong the life of your brakes and tires.

Slow down

Speeding wastes lots of fuel. Your fuel mileage usually decreases rapidly at speeds above 50 mph. That equates to paying an additional 26 cents per gallon for every 5 mph above 50 that you drive.

Only use A/C on the highway

Your fuel economy drops when you use the air conditioner at low speeds—by up to 15%. So if it isn’t too hot, turn off the A/C around town, and roll down your windows instead. However, at 55 mph or higher, using the A/C is preferable to open windows for two reasons: Your vehicle has much lower wind resistance with the windows closed. And because the engine makes more power at higher revs, it’s able to run accessories like the A/C compressor more efficiently.

Remove the rooftop carrier

Your vehicle was designed for good aerodynamics—but attaching a huge carrier or bike to the roof adds more wind resistance. So if you spend lots of time on the highway or are planning a long trip, try to transport extra items inside the vehicle, or attached to the rear. Washing and waxing your vehicle can actually lower wind resistance too.

Remove excess weight

Carrying around an extra 100 pounds in your trunk or back seat can reduce your mileage by up to 4%. To travel as light as possible, keep only the most important items (like an emergency kit, jumper cables, a small toolset, and a small jack) in the vehicle.

Keep the convertible top up

As much fun as your convertible is, you should put the top up during highway trips. You’ll have less wind resistance, less turbulence, and a better hairdo.

Keep the windows and sunroof closed

Take advantage of mild weather by leaving the A/C off, using vent air, and keeping the windows and sunroof closed. You will have less drag, and better fuel economy.

Use cruise control

Activating your cruise helps you save fuel in two ways: It keeps you from mindlessly driving at faster—and less fuel-efficient—speeds. And it maintains a constant speed, and won’t use additional fuel while accelerating.

Note that many modern vehicles will let you monitor your miles per gallon while you’re driving. Try to set your cruise control at your vehicle’s most fuel-efficient speed, as long as it’s at or below the legal limit.

Stay in gear when stopping

While shifting into Neutral and coasting to a stop sounds like it would save fuel, the opposite is true: Many modern fuel-injected vehicles go into a “fuel cutoff” mode when the engine senses that the vehicle is in gear, the rpm is above idle, and the throttle is closed. Shifting to Neutral may cancel that mode, so keep it in gear.

Turn off the engine while waiting

If your non-hybrid vehicle is safely parked, and will be stopped for more than a couple of minutes, turn off the engine. This is even more effective if your vehicle is powered by a large 6- or 8-cylinder engine, as they typically will waste more fuel at idle than smaller engines.

Combine trips

Your engine is more efficient when it’s warmed up. Many short trips that start with a cool engine will use more fuel than a single, longer trip. So when you have to drive for errands, get as many accomplished as you can in one trip to maximize your fuel economy.

 

Get more tips about going further in your Ford by visiting www.hilbishford.com.