Ford Escape Quiz
Driving Tips

Cold Weather Precautions. Break-In. Economical Driving

In this manual: Driving Tips
Introduction — 1Symbol Glossary — 1Data Privacy — 7At a Glance — 1Child Safety — 11Seat Belts — 9Personal Safety System™ — 1Airbags — 8Pedestrian Warning System. 911 Assist — 1Keys and Remote Controls — 8MyKey™ — 5Doors & Locks — 5Keyless Entry — 6Easy Entry and Exit — 1Liftgate - Vehicles With: Manual Liftgate — 3Liftgate - Vehicles With: Power Liftgate — 6Safety — 4Steering Wheel — 1Wipers and Washers — 7Exterior Lighting — 8Interior Lighting — 4Windows — 3Interior Mirror — 1Exterior Mirrors — 1Sunroof (if equipped) — 4Instrument Cluster — 16Instrument Cluster Display — 14Trip Computer — 3Head-Up Display (If Equipped) — 1Remote Start — 5Climate Control — 7Cabin Air Quality — 1Front Seats — 5Rear Seats — 1Rear Seat Reminder — 1Memory Function — 1Garage Door Opener — 7USB Ports — 3Power Point - Vehicles With: 12V Outlet — 1Wireless Accessory Charger — 1Storage — 1Starting and Stopping the Engine — 9Hybrid Electric Vehicle Information — 6Auto Start-Stop — 1Fuel and Refueling — 10Catalytic Converter — 1High-Voltage Battery — 1Charging Your Vehicle – Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) — 7Automatic Transmission — 8All-Wheel Drive — 1Brakes — 4Electric parking brake — 1Hill Start Assist — 1Auto Hold — 1Traction Control — 1Stability Control — 1Steering — 1Park Aid — 7Rearview Camera — 1Active Park Assist — 5Cruise Control — 1Adaptive Cruise Control — 10Drive Mode Control — 5Lane Keeping System — 6Blind Spot Information System — 5Cross-Traffic Alert — 5Pre-Collision Assist — 9Driver Alert — 4Traffic Sign Recognition — 4Loading — 6Cargo Area — 1Trailer Hitch Connection — 3Towing a Trailer — 4Trailer Sway Control — 1Driving Tips — 4Breakdown and Emergency Information — 7Towing Your Vehicle — 4Fuses — 4Maintenance — 14Vehicle Care — 5Body Styling Kits — 1Storing Your Vehicle — 1Wheels and Tires Information — 6Tire Care — 4Tire Sealant and Inflator Kit — 8Tire Pressure Monitoring System — 4Road Wheel Replacement — 1Capacities and Specifications — 16Vehicle Identification — 1Connected Vehicle — 4Vehicle Wi-Fi Hotspot — 3Audio System — 8SYNC™ (if equipped) — 9SYNC™ 3 (if equipped) — 41Accessories — 1Ford Protect — 1Scheduled Maintenance — 4Customer Information — 23Appendices — 3
~1min read

Cold Weather Precautions

Operation of some components and systems may be affected at temperatures below approximately -13°F (-25°C).

Break-In

You need to break in new tires for approximately 300 miles (480 km). During this time your vehicle may exhibit some unusual handling characteristics.

Economical Driving

The following helps improve fuel economy:

  • Drive smoothly, accelerate gradually and anticipate the road ahead to avoid hard braking.
  • Check tire pressure regularly and make sure they are inflated to the correct pressure.
  • Follow the recommended maintenance schedule and perform the recommended inspections.
  • Plan your trip and check traffic before setting out. It is more efficient to combine errands into one trip whenever possible.
  • Avoid idling the engine in cold weather or for extended periods. Start the engine only when you are ready to drive off.
  • Do not carry unnecessary cargo in the vehicle, as extra weight wastes fuel.
  • Do not add unnecessary accessories to the outside of your vehicle, for example running boards. If you use a roof rack, remember to remove it or stow it when not in use.
  • Do not shift to neutral when braking or when your vehicle is coasting down a hill.
  • Close all windows when driving at high speeds.
  • Turn off all electrical systems when not in use, such as air conditioning. Make sure you unplug all accessories from the auxiliary power points when they are not in use.

Test yourself

A quick Ford Escape quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.