With gas prices in constant fluctuation, driving with fuel efficiency in mind is more important than ever before. The Ford Territory is fitted with clever technology to help make the most of every drop of fuel. With an EcoBoost engine that has an Auto-Start/Stop feature mated to an advanced 7-speed automatic transmission with wet type Dual-Clutch Engagement System, the Territory delivers exceptional responsiveness and performance.
But whether you’re driving around the city or hitting the highway, there are a few things you can do to further reduce your fuel consumption.
Drive thoughtfully
Harsh acceleration and braking will dramatically affect your fuel consumption. Always observe the road ahead and traffic around you and try to react to changes early so that you can accelerate slower, coast early, and brake gently. Smoother is better when it comes to driving efficiently.
Never shift into Neutral when driving downhill to save fuel – this is a myth and is also dangerous. When you select D on your Territory’s rotary shifter, the smart shift logic ensures you are always in the most efficient gear for the speed and acceleration that you demand. Choose the driving mode that best suits you – whether it’s Normal, Eco, Sport, or Mountain – so you can enjoy a balance of power, torque, and fuel efficiency on all roads.
Similarly, ensure that the Stop/Start function is enabled, allowing for better fuel economy as it helps the driver reduce the amount of fuel they use when coming to a full stop.
Finally, cruise control isn’t just convenient, but it can save fuel as well. Territory variants fitted with adaptive cruise control[i] can take control of the accelerator, brakes and transmission – delivering improved fuel economy and a smoother driving experience.
Service is serious
Make sure you stick to your vehicle’s service schedule. During the process, Ford service technicians will give your Territory a thorough health check, looking for things that need replacing, cleaning or aligning. If, for instance, your wheels are out of alignment, not only is this a safety issue but it could also be causing your vehicle to work harder, and therefore, use more fuel.
Check your tires
The tires that come with your Ford Territory have been chosen specifically to provide the best blend of fuel economy and performance. Under-inflated or worn-out tires can increase their rolling resistance, which means your vehicle will be working harder to reach and maintain a given speed. That means your vehicle will use more fuel.
Check tire pressures regularly and make sure they are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommendation (you can find this on a placard on a door jamb). Fortunately, the Territory is fitted with tire pressure monitoring system which will alert you if your vehicle’s tires need to be adjusted.
Weight is your enemy
Be mindful of carrying unneeded items and therefore transporting unnecessary weight. Everything you carry is making your vehicle work harder, so it’s going to use more fuel.
Aerodynamics matters
Territory’s standard-fit roof rails make installing roof racks and carrying awkward items much easier. But, like carrying unneeded items in your vehicle, owners using roof boxes or bike carriers should remove them when they are not used to avoid creating unnecessary drag on the vehicle when driving.
Adapt to the weather
The hot weather in our country will have you reaching for the air-conditioning, but using your vehicle’s climate system makes your engine work harder and use more fuel. Comfort is often more important than saving a bit of fuel, though.
To ensure your climate system is working as efficiently as it can, use your climate’s Auto mode as much as you can.
The climate system’s Auto mode will enable the system’s fuel saving strategies and makes sure the climate control system reaches your desired temperature settings in the most efficient way possible.
When you’re parking in hot weather, try to keep your vehicle in the shade as this will help the cabin stay cooler for longer, which means your air-conditioning won’t have to work as hard when you start driving. If you can’t find a shady spot to park, invest in a good quality sunshade to help keep the cabin cool.
Special Offer for the Territory
For the month of June, customers purchasing the Territory can get the 5-Star Care Package with an additional P20,000 cash discount for the Territory Titanium, or up to P40,000 cash discount, or as low as P14,000 low monthly.
Customers can visit the Ford website or a Ford dealer nearest them for more details.
[i] Driver-assist features are supplemental and do not replace the driver’s attention, judgment and need to control the vehicle. May not operate at certain speeds, or in certain driving, road or weather conditions. See Owner’s Manual for more information.
