1997 Ford Windstar Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 317

Maintenance and Care Comparisons With Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Fuel Economy Estimates EPA fuel economy figures are obtained from laboratory tests under simulated road conditions and therefore are estimates which may not reflect the actual conditions you experience. The tests also do not exactly duplicate your personal style of driving, including all your stops, starts, and lane changes. Other factors that may affect fuel economy include using the air conditioning, driving speed, vehicle load and tire inflation pressure. The EPA fuel economy estimate is not a guarantee that you will achieve the fuel economy shown. Improving Fuel Economy You can improve the fuel economy for your vehicle in three ways: 1. Maintain your vehicle effectively. A well-tuned, properly maintained vehicle gives you better fuel economy. Follow the schedules for maintaining your vehicle that are in the Maintenance Schedule booklet. 2. Drive your vehicle efficiently. Change your driving habits to conserve fuel: s Do not drive with your foot on the brake. s Watch traffic so that you do not have to stop suddenly. s Do not accelerate suddenly. Drive at a steady speed whenever you can. s Do not let the engine idle for a long time. s Do not carry loads that are too heavy. To find out the limits for the loads that your vehicle can carry, see Driving with a heavy load in the Index. 317