Is there a reason why my new Ford Escape Hybrid is doing such bad mileage?
Hi, as others have said, there are many factors that influence mileage- here is a list that includes other ideas: 1. Use a digital tire gauge to check your tires (about $15-20). Throw away the cheapy stick gauges, they are only good for an average. Figure each pound of pressure lost equals between 1 mpg lost (not exact, but easy to remember). Only use the sticker on the driver’s door frame for your tire pressure, never use the maximum pressure stamped on the tire itself, that’s too high. You can put 2-3 pounds above the sticker pressure, but don’t over-inflate too much or you’ll wear out your tires faster (called “cupping” the tread). 2. Try and find gas with no ethanol in it. Ethanol is not as energy dense as oil (grain alcohol vs. oil) and it will reduce your mileage. Yes, the Escape will burn E85, but you will easily lose at least 10-15% of your mileage burning ethanol. Have you changed gas or switched to E85? That alone will account for your 10% loss (26 to 23). 3. You will always
