Long weekends, particularly during Holy Week, often inspire Filipinos to take a breather from the demands of daily life. From quiet provincial visits to coastal retreats in Batangas or La Union, these journeys have become “non-negotiable” — an essential part of the season spent on a meaningful pilgrimage, reconnecting with family and friends, or simply seeking much-needed renewal beyond the city.
However, with fuel prices continuing to rise, many may grow hesitant to take the road. Fortunately, a well-planned trip may still be in the cards with practical fuel-saving tips from Ford Philippines, allowing drivers to make the most of the long weekend road trip without breaking the bank.
Fuel Efficiency Capabilities
Off the blocks, vehicles such as the Ford Ranger and Everest already come with technology to improve fuel economy – from LED lamps to brushless motors and stop/start capabilities that complement lower consumption. These tough daily drivers are fitted with advanced engines that deliver power only when needed, reducing unnecessary fuel consumption even in stop-and-go traffic.
Drive Sensibly
Sensible driving and city traffic just (or should) go hand in hand. Drivers are encouraged to remain aware of surrounding traffic and anticipate reactions, as this can significantly reduce fuel consumption. Lessening the frequency of acceleration and braking allows earlier coasting and more controlled movements.
When descending hills, especially in more rural areas and rugged terrains, shifting to neutral is ineffective, unsafe, and does not lessen fuel consumption. Instead, stay on Drive mode and let the Everest or Ranger optimize gear selection and cut fuel supply when appropriate – saving fuel whenever possible.
Additionally, engaging “Eco” mode, keeping the Stop/Start function enabled, and using Cruise Control where suitable maximizes the vehicle’s capability to manage on-road performance to help maintain optimal fuel economy and a smoother drive.
Not only does Eco mode further optimize the acceleration and transmission response for fuel economy, but other changes take place to reduce the load on the engine, such as slowing down the climate control fans and reducing the acceleration rate of cruise control. The Stop/Start function, for its part has been calibrated to balance cabin comfort and conserve fuel. And cruise control allows the vehicle to take control of the accelerator pedal, brakes, and transmission and will operate as smoothly and gently as the traffic allows.
Always Check Your Tires
The tires fitted to the Ford Ranger or Everest are meant to fit like a glove, not only in terms of size and durability, but also carefully calibrated to balance fuel efficiency and performance. From time to time, check tire pressure to ensure it aligns with the manufacturer’s recommended levels (typically indicated on a placard on the door jamb). Underinflated or worn tires force the vehicle to work harder to maintain speed, reducing fuel efficiency.
When choosing replacement tires, it’s best to select judiciously, as non-standard aftermarket options may negatively impact fuel efficiency. To maximize tires for fuel saving, use the “Eco” tire pressure.
Weight is Your Enemy
With fuel prices already weighing on 4WD owners, the added load of accessories such as a bull bar, driving lights, roof racks, and others don’t help. The increase in the vehicle’s overall weight makes the engine work harder, especially when driving on the highway or off-road.
To manage this, consider removing accessories that aren’t essential for that out-of-town journey and free up the rear storage compartments of unnecessary items.
Be Conscious of Aerodynamic Matters
One can’t deny the appeal of vehicle modifications, but aftermarket accessories such as rooftop cargo boxes and led light bars tend to negatively impact the vehicle’s aerodynamics. Instead of enhancing the Ford Ranger or Everest’s performance, they may increase drag, requiring the vehicles to work harder and leading to higher fuel consumption – especially for those that do a lot of highway driving.
Road Trip Tips in Hot Weather
Air conditioning is a necessity especially as the summer season has begun, and fortunately, most Ford Ranger and Everest models come with an advanced climate control system that, when set to AUTO mode, automatically adjusts output to meet cooling demands. This feature reduces compressor cycling and lowers engine load, thereby improving fuel efficiency. It’s also recommended to maintain a 22°C-23°C temperature and utilize the recirculation feature to allow the system to draw air from within the cabin rather than drawing in hot air from outside.
When parking, shaded areas are a friend, helping maintain a lower cabin temperature and reducing the workload on the air conditioning system upon return. A quality sunshade may also help limit heat buildup.
Faster Isn’t Always Best
The Ford Ranger and Everest are both well-suited for long drives and capable of handling varied terrain, even towing trailers or caravans, or carrying heavy loads to distant camping sites or surf havens. Of course, increased load and distance naturally lead to higher fuel consumption than on a typical weekday commute around the city. To help manage this, maintaining a steady, moderate speed (preferably 10-15 km/h below the limit) can significantly improve fuel efficiency while ensuring a smoother, more controlled journey.
Maintenance is Key
Vehicles run at their most efficient when well-maintained, so it’s important to stick to its recommended service schedule. Ford service experts conduct a comprehensive series of checks, identifying and remedying prevalent issues such as wheel misalignment, dirty air filters, and worn engine oil – factors that may cause the vehicle to operate in less-than-ideal condition and consume more fuel.
The good news is Ford Philippines offers Online Service Booking (OSB) so customers can easily set an appointment with their preferred service dealer, get an estimated price on the intended service, and avail of express service in just a few clicks.
Filipinos need not bid farewell to their customary Holy Week retreat (or long weekend getaways for that matter). By understanding their vehicles’ features and adopting simple fuel-saving practices, drivers can make the most of any trip while staying within budget — allowing every journey to be defined by shared experiences and new core memories unlocked.
