Ford Fusion Quiz
Driving Tips

Engine Power Reduction. Economical Driving

In this manual: Driving Tips
Introduction — 7Environment — 1At a Glance — 1Child Safety — 9Seat Belts — 8Personal Safety System™ — 1Additional Restrictions — 8Keys and Remote Controls — 8MyKey™ — 5Doors & Locks — 10Safety — 3Steering Wheel — 5Wipers and Washers — 4Lighting — 8Automatic High Beam Control — 3Windows and Mirrors — 6Instrument Cluster — 4Information Displays — 5Climate Control — 10Seats — 9Garage Door Opener — 1Auxiliary Power Points — 3Storage Compartments — 1Starting and Stopping the Engine — 4Unique Driving Characteristics (if equipped) — 1Fuel and Refueling — 9Engine Emission Control — 5Infection Transmission — 1All-Wheel Drive — 1Brakes — 4Traction Control — 1Stability Control — 1Park Aid — 13Cruise Control — 10Driver Assistance — 14Loading — 1Tow/Haul — 5Driving Tips — 3Roadside Emergencies — 5Customer Assistance — 6Fuses — 3Maintenance — 16Vehicle Care — 9Wheels and Tires — 13Capacities and Specifications — 11Connected Vehicle — 1Wi-Fi Hotspot — 1Audio System — 7SYNC™ — 7SYNC™ 3 — 16Accessories — 1Ford Protect — 3Scheduled Maintenance — 5Appendices — 4
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Engine Performance Reduction

If the engine coolant temperature gauge needle moves to the very top of the range, the engine is overheating.

You should only drive a short distance if the engine is overheating. The distance you can drive depends on the ambient temperature, vehicle load and terrain. The engine continues to run with reduced power for a short period of time.

If the engine temperature continues to rise, fuel supply to the engine is reduced. The air conditioner switches off and the engine cooling fan runs continuously.

  1. Gradually reduce speed and stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.
  2. Immediately turn off the engine to prevent serious engine damage.
  3. Wait for the engine to cool down.
  4. Check the engine coolant level.
  5. Have your vehicle checked as soon as possible.

Economical Driving

Fuel consumption is affected by several factors, such as how you drive, the conditions in which you drive and how you maintain your vehicle.

There are some things to keep in mind that can improve fuel economy:

  • Accelerate and decelerate smoothly and in a moderate manner.
  • Drive at a steady speed.
  • Anticipate stops; slowing down may eliminate the need to stop.
  • Combine errands and minimize driving with frequent stops (when running errands, go to the farthest destination first, then return home).
  • Close the windows for high-speed driving.
  • Drive at a reasonable speed.
  • Keep tires properly inflated and use only the recommended size.
  • Use the recommended engine oil.
  • Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance.

There are also some things you may want to avoid doing because they reduce your fuel economy:

  • Avoid rapid or abrupt acceleration.
  • Avoid increasing engine speed before shutting off the vehicle.
  • Avoid long periods of idling.
  • Do not warm up the vehicle on cold mornings.
  • Reduce use of air conditioning and heating.
  • Avoid using cruise control in hilly terrain.
  • Do not keep your foot on the brake pedal while driving.
  • Avoid carrying unnecessary weight.
  • Avoid adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example, bug deflectors, bull bars/light bars, running boards, ski racks).
  • Avoid driving with misaligned wheels.

Test yourself

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