2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Gas Mileage Tips

Many factors can affect fuel mileage on a 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac, both mechanical and through operation. A little insight into the factors that affect fuel economy can actually make a significant difference. You will be happy as well as surprised to find that you can increase your fuel economy by as much as 30 percent. Most people are oblivious to these practices and techniques.

Mechanical Factors Contributing to Poor Fuel Economy

The first thing to be aware of is the mechanical factors that most adversely affect fuel economy and present driveability problems in a 2007 Ford Explorer, as well as any other vehicle.

The most neglected is the air cleaner element. This plays a major role in fuel economy. When it becomes contaminated, it restricts the amount of air entering the engine. Understand that there isnt anything you can do to a vehicle that doesnt affect something else. In many cases, one faulty component on the Explorer can have a trickle-down effect that will cause a series of preprogrammed events to stray from their desired operating ranges.

The reduction of air through the air cleaner is sensed by the mass air flow sensor. It sends a signal to the computer, which assumes a higher altitude and readjusts the fuel trim and ignition timing. This directly affects the engine torque, which changes the transmission shift points. This lack of torque will cause the driver to make larger changes in the throttle position, which is witnessed by the computer through the signals from the throttle position sensor. These changes cause the oxygen sensors in front of the converter to change their count signals to the computer, in effect making the computer increase its judgment calls on how to maintain the 14:1 fuel to air ratio, and so on.

A faulty idle air control that maintains the correct idle speed is common over time. They become dirty and operate too slowly, causing too high an idle or one where the idle rises and lowers continuously.

Low tire pressure on an Explorer is a major culprit of poor mileage due to the increased friction caused by air pressure that is too low in the large tires. Incorrect tire pressure also causes uneven or accelerated tire wear. There is no excuse for this to happen, since it is posted on the drivers door placard, the tire itself and in the owners manual. Dont forget that when the temperature drops, so does the air pressure in the tires; conversely, higher outside temperatures cause higher tire pressures.

Anything in the brakes causing drag will hurt fuel economy. The emergency brake is often overlooked. It must release completely.

Dirty or clogged fuel injectors causing an uneven fuel spray is another matter. In many cases dirt gets stuck under the pintle and keeps the six or eight injectors -- depending on the engine -- open a small amount, causing them to drip continuously. As long as the engine is running, there is constant fuel pressure on the injectors. They do not open further when accelerating, just for a longer time. This means they are dripping when they should be closed. Fuel injector cleaner should be added to the fuel to clean the injectors. Injectors that remain faulty must be replaced.

Make sure the thermostat is working properly. If the temperature does not rise to the normal position on the gauge, which is 195 degrees, it must be replaced. The computer will sense the engine temperature with the use of the coolant temperature sensor and will adjust the fuel mixture to accommodate the change in temperature. If the thermostat is stuck open, the computer will think the engine is still cold and order up a rich mixture.

An improperly operating transmission will obviously cause problems also. Because of the height of the Explorer, these items tend to affect fuel mileage more than a lower vehicle.

Forces Affecting Fuel Economy

Now it's time to have some fun and see just how much the fuel economy can be increased. First things first: Understand the forces at work that contribute to fuel economy.

The best introduction to forces reacting on the Explorer is to imagine a heavy stone-grinding wheel used to sharpen axes. It has a bicycle foot pedal on both sides with which to spin the heavy stone wheel. Imagine yourself, with both hands on the pedals, starting to spin the heavy wheel. It is terribly difficult to turn the pedals at first to get the wheel turning. As it picks up speed, the difficulty lessens slightly. Now youve really got it cranking. It is spinning fast. Now, try to grab the pedal and bring it to an immediate halt. Its not happening without knocking you out. It will just keep spinning for a long time before slowing down and stopping. This is torque. This is what the engine must overcome every time the Explorer is accelerated from a stop or, as a matter of fact, brought back up to cruising speed after deceleration.

Aerodynamic forces -- how smoothly air flows over the trucks surface without creating eddies, which cause a vacuum -- is another consideration as well as frictional forces -- tire size and air pressure -- and lastly its mass, which is directly proportionate to its weight. The Explorer has the aerodynamic coefficient of a low brick wall, which must be considered.

Proven Strategies Aimed at Increasing Fuel Economy

When driving at cruising speeds, use as little braking as possible in an effort to maintain the current speed as much as possible. Every time the brakes are applied in excess, the transmission unlocks the torque converter, dropping it out of overdrive. This increases rpm and requires more thermal energy -- fuel -- to increase the speed once again to the original speed. An interesting point is that to increase the speed from 30 mph to 60 mph takes four times the kinetic energy -- factor of 4 -- as it does to accelerate to 30 mph.

Slow down gradually when approaching a stoplight. This is an attempt, when possible, to keep as much kinetic energy going as possible. A percentage of the time it will not be necessary to come to a complete stop, especially if this is kept in mind when approaching. The less acceleration you need after slowing down, the larger the fuel savings.

Slow the acceleration to speed. This causes the transmission to shift into a higher gear earlier because the demand for additional torque is lessened. Avoid excess idling. Never allow the engine to sit and idle unnecessarily.

Keep the speed at the speed limit or lower when possible. Low speed limits are not of as much concern as those above 55 mph. The 55 mph speed limit is not the most desirable for most, however, the fuel savings at this speed are much higher taking into consideration Neutons law as applied to acceleration. The aerodynamic forces are much greater and require much more kinetic energy to maintain speeds higher than 55 when fighting the increased wind resistance and gravitational forces on a vehicle as large as the Explorer.

Allow enough distance in and out of town between you and the vehicle in front. This way you can be an observer rather than a participant in irregular speeds.

Synopsis

Keep in mind that because of the height of the Sport Trac, you have more wind resistance. Accelerating slowly, avoiding unnecessary speed changes, unnecessary idling, unnecessary weight, high speeds, extraneous external objects that will increase drag, and using cruise control in hilly or mountainous areas, along with not slamming on the brakes and approaching stop lights slowly will help conserve fuel and save you money.