Auto FE - It's all about driving style

[Beelzebubba]

My parents have an '07 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 4x2 V6 with Towing Package. The reason I mention the Towing Package is because it changes the Axle Ratio from 3.55 (standard) to 3.73. The purpose is to provide a little extra pull from a stop to help get the weight of both the SUV and the weight it's towing in motion. To the best of my knowledge, a changed axle or possibly gear ratios are often part of similar Towing or Heavy-Duty packages that many mid- and full-size SUVs may have.

When it's not towing anything, my parents will never tow with this vehicle, the benefit is that it feels a little snappier off the line. The negative- a bit more fuel consumption.

My mom drives this vehicle 90% of the time and she has never managed to break 16MPG average. Miraculously, I can coax 19+MPG out of it when I drive it for a while.

I finally rode along with her a few days ago and observed her driving- she always seemed to be lightly coasting or very lightly acclerating. A while on the accelerator, then a while off of it....I found the culprit! I also took her on a 10-mile stint on the expressway with her driving in one direction (16.6mpg) at approx. 70mph and then I drove the 10-miles back with the cruise control set at 70mph. I topped 20mpg, but just by a hair- 20.1mpg.

It was an eye opener for both of us...and I can't believe I'd never noticed her erratic accelerator foot before (I needed a Dramamine after a few miles)...then again, I avoid being her passenger whenever possible. =)