565 messages,
Last post on May 18, 2013 at 8:42 PM
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Ford Escape Forum.
What is this discussion about?
Ford Escape, Fuel Efficiency (MPG), SUV
Please note the engine, AWD/FWD, type of gas you buy, and something about the type of driver you are and your driving conditions (city/highway, commuting) when you post about your mileage.
Feb 01, 2013 (9:24 am)
One of the things I have discovered is that the DTE indication is based on some period of average fuel economy from the past, which may be why the readings seem inaccurate. (in addition to having a safety margin built in)
Here's an example.
Lets say you drive the first 3/4 or 7/8 of your tank in heavy traffic, or poor winter conditions and are averaging 15MPG. Then you are freed up to some nice 60 mph highway cruising at 30mpg. Your DTE indication will still be using a big rolling average of fuel economy to let you know when you might run out. Since it cannot predict what kind of fuel economy you will see in the future, it will use the economy that you got in the past.
So in this case, it may indicate 30 Miles to Empty, when it is really 60 miles at your new fuel consumption rate, plus a little reserve. (maybe another 20 miles, for a total of 80 actual miles to empty)
We certainly can't fault the Ford engineers for helping us to "never run out of fuel". They have accomplished that !
I think we would all be quite upset if we were running out of fuel, because there was no safety margin designed in.
Certainly the small fuel tank is the "bigger" issue here.
#216 of 565 Re: DTE [tinycadon]
by tim156
Feb 01, 2013 (1:46 pm)
I've traveled thousands of miles traversing the Country east to west and north to south. I drove the Lincoln Highway coast to coast and was never in a situation where I couldn't get fuel when my gauge was between 3/8 and 1/8 tank. I drove from Tooele, UT to Ely, NV through the Great Salt Desert and was smart enough to fill up before I set out. Unless you live in the wilderness of Alaska, there's never a situation where you can't get fuel if you plan ahead.
#217 of 565 Re: DTE [izedaman]
by tim156
Feb 01, 2013 (1:48 pm)
You need to fill up when the gas gauge needle is on E. Whats 2 more gallons going to get you, maybe 70 miles, so what.
#218 of 565 Re: DTE [wistrod]
by tim156
Feb 01, 2013 (1:54 pm)
I guess I don't find having to stop for gas as much of a chore as you do, I can go two weeks between fill ups.
Since you know that the DTE readout is not accurate, go with what you know, drive another 60 miles and fill up.
#219 of 565 Re: DTE [izedaman]
by tim156
Feb 01, 2013 (2:00 pm)
Lets see, you either have to fill up when the needle gets close to E, or with some simple math, based on the average mpg's and miles traveled, you can cipher how far you can travel.
Feb 01, 2013 (6:14 pm)
16 mpg x 19 gallons (to empty) = 304 miles. 21.5 mpg x 13 gallons = 280 miles. not sure how that work into extra fill ups over 350 miles, but some people are upset in that they feel like they should be able to drive more miles on a tank.
My wife fill up with 11-12 gallons, as she doesn't like to go too far below a quarter tank.
#222 of 565 Re: DTE [wistrod]
by utahdriver
Feb 03, 2013 (8:01 pm)
Sure wish more would take a look at the Mazda CX 5. I bought one a month ago and get 28 MGP right out of the box in 50/50 city highway. Grand Touring AWD. Great handling and I bet more reliable than a Fix Or Repair Daily Ford.
Got all the bells and whistles for $27,900. Has plenty of power here in Salt Lake, and if you want more the 2014 model will be at 185 HP. Test drive a
CX 5 before you by the Escape.
#223 of 565 Re: DTE [utahdriver]
by izedaman
Feb 03, 2013 (9:44 pm)
I liked it, but no power.. why cant they through that sky diesel in there . i would have got it