•
Use the recommended engine oil.
• Perform all regularly scheduled
maintenance.
• Use the coach and brake coach display
to get feedback on your economical
drive style. For more information, See
Information Displays (page 88).
Avoid these actions; they reduce your fuel
economy:
• Avoid sudden accelerations or hard
accelerations. Accelerate and slow
down in a smooth, moderate fashion.
• Avoid revving the engine before turning
off your vehicle.
• Avoid long idle periods.
• Do not warm up your vehicle on cold
mornings.
• Do not rest your foot on the brake
pedal while driving.
• Avoid carrying unnecessary weight.
Approximately 1 mile per gallon (0.4
kilometers per liter) is lost for every
400 pounds (180 kilograms) of weight
carried.
• Avoid adding particular accessories to
your vehicle (bug deflectors, car top
carriers, ski or bike racks).
• Avoid driving with the wheels out of
alignment.
Things to keep in mind when you refuel
your vehicle:
• Fuel generates fewer vapors when it is
cool and dark outside. Fill your vehicle
up in the early morning or late evening.
• Use the recommended octane-rated
fuel. Using fuel below the
recommended rating will lower your
fuel economy. DRIVING THROUGH WATER
Note:
Driving through deep water above
the recommended levels can cause vehicle
damage.
If driving through deep or standing water
is unavoidable, proceed very slowly. Never
drive through water that is higher than the
bottom of the wheel rims (for cars) or the
bottom of the hubs (for trucks). When driving through water, traction or
brake capability may be limited. Also,
water may enter your engine
’s air intake
and severely damage your engine or your
vehicle may stall.
Once through the water, always dry the
brakes by moving your vehicle slowly while
applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Wet brakes do not stop the vehicle as
quickly as dry brakes.
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C-MAX (CCG) Driving HintsE142667
REPAIRING MINOR PAINT
DAMAGE
Your authorized dealer has touch-up paint
to match your vehicle
’s color. Take your
color code (printed on a sticker in the
driver ’s door jamb) to your authorized
dealer to ensure you get the correct color.
• Remove particles such as bird
droppings, tree sap, insect deposits, tar
spots, road salt and industrial fallout
before repairing paint chips.
• Always read the instructions before
using the products.
CLEANING THE ALLOY
WHEELS (IF EQUIPPED)
Note: Do not apply a cleaning chemical to
warm or hot wheel rims and covers.
Note: Some automatic car washes may
cause damage to the finish on your wheel
rims and covers.
Note: Industrial-strength or heavy-duty
cleaners in combination with brush agitation
to remove brake dust and dirt, could wear
away the clear coat finish over a period time.
Note: Do not use hydrofluoric acid-based
or high caustic-based wheel cleaners, steel
wool, fuels or strong household detergents.
Note: If you intend parking your vehicle for
an extended period after cleaning the
wheels with a wheel cleaner, drive your
vehicle for a few minutes before doing so.
This will reduce the risk of increased
corrosion of the brake discs.
Alloy wheels and wheel covers are coated
with a clear coat paint finish. To maintain
their condition we recommend that you: •
Clean the wheels weekly using
Motorcraft Wheel and Tire Cleaner.
Apply using manufacturer's
instructions.
• Use a sponge to remove heavy
deposits of dirt and brake dust
accumulation.
• Rinse thoroughly with a strong stream
of water when you have completed the
cleaning process.
• To remove tar and grease, use
Motorcraft Bug and Tar Remover.
VEHICLE STORAGE
If you plan on storing your vehicle for an
extended period of time (30 days or more),
read the following maintenance
recommendations to make sure your
vehicle stays in good operating condition.
All motor vehicles and their components
were engineered and tested for reliable,
regular driving. Long term storage under
various conditions may lead to component
degradation or failure unless specific
precautions are taken to preserve the
components.
General
• Store all vehicles in a dry, ventilated
place.
• Protect from sunlight, if possible.
• If vehicles are stored outside, they
require regular maintenance to protect
against rust and damage.
Body
• Wash your vehicle thoroughly to
remove dirt, grease, oil, tar or mud from
exterior surfaces, rear-wheel housing
and underside of front fenders.
• Periodically wash your vehicle stored
in exposed locations.
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C-MAX (CCG) Vehicle Care
