Last week, I reported on Ford’s 1,000-mile challenge in which a Ford Fusion Hybrid driving team was hoping to drive more then 1,000 miles on a single tank of gas. Well, as of 9:08 am this morning, they have reached their goal. NASCAR driver Carl Edwards was behind the wheel when the vehicle reached the 1,000-mile mark. The vehicle averaged over 80 miles per gallon during the first 47 hours of the challenge.

Mileage-maximizing techniques that the Ford team used and recommend to consumers include:

• Slowing down and maintaining even throttle pressure;
• Gradually accelerating and smoothly braking;
• Maintaining a safe distance between vehicles and anticipating traffic conditions;
• Coasting up to red lights and stop signs to avoid fuel waste and brake wear;
• Minimize use of heater and air conditioning to reduce the load on the engine;
• Close windows at high speeds to reduce aerodynamic drag;
• Applying the “Pulse and Glide” technique while maintaining the flow of traffic;
• Minimize excessive engine workload by using the vehicle’s kinetic forward motion to climb hills, and use downhill momentum to build speed; and
• Avoiding bumps and potholes that can reduce momentum

Congratulations to the Ford 1,000 Mile Challenge team!

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