Page 274 of 296

•Idling for long periods of time (greater than one minute) may waste
fuel.
•Anticipate stopping; slowing down may eliminate the need to stop.
•Sudden or hard accelerations may reduce fuel economy.
•Slow down gradually.
•Driving at reasonable speeds (traveling at 55 mph [88 km/h] uses 15%
less fuel than traveling at 65 mph [105 km/h]).
•Revving the engine before turning it off may reduce fuel economy.
•Using the air conditioner or defroster may reduce fuel economy.
•You may want to turn off the speed control in hilly terrain if
unnecessary shifting between the top gears occurs. Unnecessary
shifting of this type could result in reduced fuel economy.
•Warming up a vehicle on cold mornings is not required and may
reduce fuel economy.
•Resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving may reduce fuel
economy.
•Combine errands and minimize stop-and-go driving.
Maintenance
•Keep tires properly inflated and use only recommended size.
•Operating a vehicle with the wheels out of alignment will reduce fuel
economy.
•Use recommended engine oil. Refer toMaintenance product
specifications and capacitiesin this chapter.
•Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the
recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found inscheduled maintenance information.
Conditions
•Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy
at any speed.
•Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately
1 mpg [0.4 km/L] is lost for every 400 lb [180 kg] of weight carried).
•Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example bug
deflectors, rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski/luggage racks) may
reduce fuel economy.
•Using fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel economy.
2008 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
274
Page 278 of 296

vehicle is not ready for I/M testing, the following driving cycle consisting
of mixed city and highway driving may be performed:
15 minutes of steady driving on an expressway/highway followed by 20
minutes of stop-and-go driving with at least four 30-second idle periods.
Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the
engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle. The
engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,
do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete. If
the vehicle is still not ready for I/M testing, the above driving cycle will
have to be repeated.
BRAKE/CLUTCH FLUID
Brake and clutch systems are supplied from the same reservoir.
The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels between the “MIN” and
“MAX” lines are within the normal
operating range; there is no need to
add fluid. If the fluid levels are
outside of the normal operating
range the performance of the
system could be compromised; seek
service from your authorized dealer immediately.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid (if equipped)
Refer to yourscheduled maintenance informationfor scheduled
intervals for fluid checks and changes. Your transaxle does not consume
fluid. However, the fluid level should be checked if the transaxle is not
working properly, i.e., if the transaxle slips or shifts slowly or if you
notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is warmed up
(approximately 20 miles [30 km]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic
during hot weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be
turned off for about 30 minutes to allow fluid to cool before
checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 20 miles (30 km) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2008 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
278
Page 289 of 296

GENUINE FORD ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR VEHICLE
A wide selection of Genuine Ford Accessories are available for your
vehicle through your local Ford or Ford of Canada dealer. These quality
accessories have been specifically engineered to fulfill your automotive
needs; they are custom designed to complement the style and
aerodynamic appearance of your vehicle. In addition, each accessory is
made from high quality materials and meets or exceeds Ford’s rigorous
engineering and safety specifications. Ford Motor Company will repair or
replace any properly dealer-installed Genuine Ford Accessories found to
be defective in factory-supplied materials or workmanship during the
warranty period, as well as any component damaged by the defective
accessories. The accessories will be warranted for whichever provides
you the greatest benefit:
•12 months or 12,000 miles (20,000 km) (whichever occurs first), or
•the remainder of your new vehicle limited warranty.
Contact your dealer for details and a copy of the warranty.
The following is a list of several Genuine Ford Accessories. Not all
accessories are available for all models. For a complete listing of the
accessories that are available for your vehicle, please contact your dealer
or visit our online store at: www.fordaccessoriesstore.com.
Exterior style
Bug shields
Deflectors
Step bars
Splash guards
Interior style
Cargo Logic/ Cargo management
Electrochromatic compass/temperature interior mirrors
Floor mats
Security shade
Lifestyle
Ash cup/ smoker’s package
Cargo management accessories
Cross bars
Trailer hitches, wiring harnesses and accessories
2008 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Accessories
289
Page 296 of 296

Tires ...................................146–147
alignment ................................154
care ..........................................150
changing ..........................219, 221
checking the pressure ............150
inflating ...................................148
label .........................................161
replacing ..................................152
rotating ....................................154
safety practices .......................153
sidewall information ...............156
snow tires and chains ............166
spare tire .........................217, 219
terminology .............................147
tire grades ...............................147
treadwear ........................146, 151
Towing .......................................172
recreational towing .................177
trailer towing ..........................172
wrecker ....................................232
Transaxle
fluid, checking and adding
(manual) .................................280
Transmission
automatic operation ...............190
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....190
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................278fluid, refill capacities ..............283
lubricant specifications ..........283
manual operation ....................195
Trunk ...........................................86
Turn signal ..................................45
V
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................287
Vehicle loading ..........................166
Ventilating your vehicle ...........181
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......12
Washer fluid ..............................253
Water, Driving through .............205
Windows
power .........................................56
rear wiper/washer .....................53
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers ..........................................52
checking and adding fluid .....253
liftgate reservoir .....................253
replacing wiper blades ...........254
Wrecker towing .........................232
2008 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
296