1997 Ford Contour Owner's Manual - Page 212

Maintenance and Care To calculate fuel economy: 1. Fill the tank completely and record the initial odometer reading. 2. Every time you buy fuel record the amount (in gallons or liters) purchased. 3. After at least three to five tankfuls, fill the fuel tank and record the final odometer reading. 4. Use these equations to calculate your fuel economy: s English: MPG q (total miles driven) s Metric: L/100k q (liters used) (gallons used) (100 kilometers) Comparisons With Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Transport Canada (TC) Fuel Economy Estimates EPA fuel economy figures are obtained from laboratory tests under simulated road conditions and may not reflect the actual conditions you experience or your style of driving. The EPA fuel economy estimate is not a guarantee that you will achieve the fuel economy shown. The following decrease fuel economy: s Lack of regular, scheduled maintenance s Rapid acceleration and excessive speed s Driving with your foot on the brake s Sudden stops s Extended engine idling s Using speed control in hilly terrain s Extended use of the A/C, defroster, rear window defroster and other accessories 215