2020 Ford F-350 Owners Manual - Driving Hints

Driving Hints

Your fuel economy is affected by several things, such as how you drive, the conditions you drive under, and how you maintain your vehicle.

You may improve your fuel economy by keeping these things in mind:

Accelerate and slow down in a smooth, moderate fashion.

Drive at steady speeds without stopping.

Anticipate stops; slowing down may eliminate the need to stop.

Combine errands and minimize stop-and-go driving.

Close the windows for high-speed driving.

Drive at reasonable speeds (traveling at 55 mph [88 km/h] uses 15% less fuel than traveling at 65 mph [105 km/h]).

Keep the tires properly inflated and use only the recommended size.

Use the recommended engine oil.

Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance.

Avoid these actions; they reduce your fuel economy:

Sudden accelerations or hard accelerations.

Revving the engine before turning it off.

Idle for periods longer than one minute.

Warm up your vehicle on cold mornings.

Use the air conditioner or front defroster.

Use the speed control in hilly terrain.

Rest your foot on the brake pedal while driving.

Drive a heavily loaded vehicle or tow a trailer.

Carry unnecessary weight (approximately 1 mpg [0.4 km/L] is lost for every 400 lb [180 kilogram] of weight carried).

Driving with the wheels out of alignment.

Conditions

Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy at any speed.

Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example bug deflectors, rollbars, light bars, running boards, ski racks or luggage racks) may reduce fuel economy.

To maximize the fuel economy, drive with the tonneau cover installed (if equipped).

Using fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel economy.

Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first 5–10 mi (12–16 km) of driving.

Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel economy as compared to driving on hilly terrain.

Transmissions give their best fuel economy when operated in the top cruise gear and with steady pressure on the gas pedal.

Four-wheel-drive operation (if equipped) is less fuel efficient than two-wheel-drive operation.

Note: The following off-road driving information applies to Tremor package equipped vehicles only.

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In addition to providing an excellent

on-road driving experience, your vehicle excels at all types of off-road driving. Your vehicle has been designed and equipped to allow you to explore those places where the road doesn’t take you, whether it’s a forest trail or the open desert. Before going off-roading, consult with your local governmental agencies to determine designated off-road trails and recreation areas. Also, be sure to understand any

off-road vehicle registration requirements for the area in which you plan on driving.

Tread Lightly® is an educational program designed to increase public awareness of land-use regulations and responsibilities in our nation’s wilderness areas. Ford joins the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management in encouraging you to help preserve our national forest and other public and private lands by treading lightly.

Before taking your vehicle off-roading, a basic vehicle inspection should be conducted to make sure that the vehicle is in peak operating condition.

It is always recommended that at least two vehicles are used while off-roading. The buddy system helps make sure that help is close at hand should a vehicle become stuck or damaged. It is also wise to take supplies such as a first aid kit, drinking water, tow strap, cell or satellite phone with you any time an off-road excursion is planned.

Remove the front license plate before off-roading to achieve optimal performance.

Grip the steering wheel with thumbs on the outside of the rim. This reduces the risk of injury due to abrupt steering wheel motions that occur when negotiating rough terrain. Do not grip the steering wheel with thumbs inside the rim.

Throttle, brake and steering inputs should be made in a smooth and controlled manner. Sudden inputs to the controls can cause loss of traction or upset the vehicle, especially while on sloped terrain or while crossing obstacles such as rocks or logs.

Look ahead on your route noting upcoming obstacles, changes to surface texture, color changes and any other factors which may indicate a change in available traction. Adjusting the vehicle speed and route accordingly. During pre-run, mark obstacles with GPS markers to make sure appropriate speeds are used to avoid potential vehicle damage.

When driving off-road, if the front or rear suspension is bottoming-out and/or excessive contact with the skid-plates is encountered, reduce vehicle speed to avoid potential damage to the vehicle.

When running with other vehicles, it is recommended that some form of radio communication is used so the lead vehicle can notify others of obstacles that could cause damage.

Always keep available ground clearance in mind and pick a route that minimizes the risk of catching the underside of the vehicle on an obstacle.

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When negotiating low speed obstacles, applying light brake pressure in conjunction with the throttle will help prevent the vehicle from lurching and will allow you to negotiate the obstacle in a more controlled manner. Using 4L also assists with this.

Use and equip supplemental safety equipment.

Please consult your local off-road group for other helpful tips.

Off-roading requires a high degree of concentration. Even if your local law does not prohibit alcohol use while driving off-road, Ford strongly recommends against drinking alcohol if you plan to off-road.

Review the path ahead before attempting to cross any obstacles. It is best if the obstacles are reviewed from outside the vehicle so that there is a good understanding of the terrains condition both in front of and behind the obstacles.

Approach obstacles slowly and slowly creep the vehicle over.

If a large obstacle such as a rock cannot be avoided, choose a path that places the rock directly under the tire rather than the undercarriage of the vehicle. This helps prevent damage to the vehicle.

Ditches and washouts should be crossed at a 45 degree angle, allowing each wheel to independently cross the obstacle.

Always attempt to climb a steep hill along the fall line of the slope and not diagonally.

If the vehicle is unable to make it up the hill, DO NOT attempt to turn back down the slope. Place the vehicle in low range and slowly back down in reverse.

When descending a steep slope, select low gear and engage trail control. Use the throttle and brake pedals to control your descent speed as described earlier in this section using trail control. Note that trail control is functional in reverse and should be used in this situation.

It is important to complete a full vehicle inspection after off-road driving. Some items to check include:

Make sure that tires are inflated to proper tire pressure as indicated on the tire placard.

Check the wheels and undercarriage for built up mud or debris which can cause vehicle vibration.

Make sure that the grille and radiator are clear of any obstructions that may affect cooling.

Make sure that the brakes are in proper working order and free of any mud, stones and debris, which can become trapped around the brake rotor, backing plate and caliper.

Check that the air filter is clean and dry.

Inspect for torn or punctured boots on ball joints, half shafts, steering gears.

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Inspect exhaust system for damage or looseness.

Inspect undercarriage fasteners. If any are loose or damaged, tighten or replace ensuring that the proper torque specification is used.

Inspect the tires for any cuts in the tread or sidewall area. Also inspect the sidewall for any bulge indicating damage to the tire.

Inspect the wheels for dents, cracks, or other damage.

Refit the front license plate if removed previously.

You need to break in new tires for approximately 300 mi (480 km). During this time, your vehicle may exhibit some unusual driving characteristics.

Avoid driving too fast during the first 1,000 mi (1,600 km). Vary your speed frequently and change up through the gears early. Do not labor the engine.

Drive your new vehicle at least 1,000 mi (1,600 km) before towing a trailer. Make sure you use the specified engine oil. See Capacities and Specifications (page 437).

Do not add friction modifier compounds or special break-in oils during the first few thousand miles (kilometers) of operation. These additives may prevent piston ring seating.

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Note: Engine damage can occur if water enters the air filter.

Note: Driving through standing water can cause vehicle damage.

Note: Drive through water in an emergency only and not as part of normal driving.

Before driving through standing water, check the depth. Never drive through water that is higher than the bottom of the wheel hubs.

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When driving through standing water, drive very slowly and do not stop your vehicle. Your brake performance and traction may be limited. After driving through water and as soon as it is safe to do so:

Lightly press the brake pedal to dry the brakes and to check that they work.

Check that the horn works.

Check that the exterior lights work.

Turn the steering wheel to check that the steering power assist works.

Your vehicle equipped with Tremor

Off-Road package is capable of traveling through water at a maximum depth of 33 in (837 mm). When driving through

standing water do not exceed crawl speed of 4 mph (7 km/h).

Always determine the depth before attempting a water crossing.

Proceed slowly and avoid splashing water any more than is necessary. As the water depth increases, vehicle speed must be reduced to avoid potential vehicle damage.

Be aware that obstacles and debris may be beneath the water’s surface.

Keep the doors fully closed during the water crossing.

Upon completion of the water crossing, slowly drive a short distance and check the brakes for full effectiveness.

Ford recommends that the Super Duty F-Series used for snow removal include the snowplow package option.

Weight limits and guidelines for selecting and installing the snowplow are in the Ford Truck Body Builders Layout Book, snowplow section, found at www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas. A typical installation affects the following:

Certification to government safety laws such as occupant protection and airbag deployment, braking, and lighting. Look for an Alterer’s Label on the vehicle from the snowplow installer certifying that the installation meets all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).

The Total Accessory Reserve Capacity (TARC) is on the lower right side of the vehicle’s Safety Compliance Certification Label. This applies to Ford-completed vehicles of 10,000 lb (4,536 kg) GVWR or less. This is the weight of permanently-attached auxiliary equipment, such as snowplow frame-mounting hardware, that can be added to the vehicle and satisfy Ford compliance certification to FMVSS. Exceeding this weight may require the auxiliary equipment installer additional safety certification responsibility. The Front Accessory Reserve Capacity (FARC) is for customer convenience.

Rear ballast weight behind the rear axle may be required to prevent exceeding the FGAWR, and provide front-to-rear weight balance for proper braking and steering.

Front wheel toe may require

re-adjustment to prevent premature uneven tire wear. Specifications are in the Ford Workshop Manual.

Headlight aim may require re-adjustment.

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The tire air pressures recommended for general driving are on the vehicle’s Safety Certification Label. The maximum cold inflation pressure for the tire and associated load rating is on the tire sidewall. Tire air pressure may require re-adjustment within these pressure limits to accommodate the additional weight of the snowplow installation.

Federal and some local regulations require additional exterior lamps for snowplow-equipped vehicles. Consult your authorized dealer for additional information.

Note: Do not use your vehicle for snow removal until you have driven at least 500 mi (800 km).

Ford recommends vehicle speed does not exceed 45 mph (72 km/h) when snowplowing.

If transporting a snowplow in summertime, cooling system airflow may be blocked by the snowplow. Change the snowplow height or position to improve airflow to the radiator or limit your vehicle speed to a maximum of 45 mph (72 km/h).

The attached snowplow blade restricts airflow to the radiator, and may cause the engine to run at a higher temperature: Attention to engine temperature is especially important when outside temperatures are above freezing. Angle the blade to maximize airflow to the radiator and monitor engine temperature to determine whether a left or right angle provides the best performance.

Follow the severe duty schedule in your Scheduled Maintenance information for engine oil and transmission fluid change intervals.

Note: Please refer to the Body Builders Layout Book for instructions about the appropriate installation of additional equipment.

Your vehicle is equipped with a driver and passenger airbag supplemental restraint system. The supplemental restraint system will activate in certain frontal and offset frontal collisions when the vehicle sustains sufficient frontal deceleration.

Careless or high speed driving while plowing snow that results in sufficient vehicle decelerations can deploy the airbags. Such driving also increases the risk of accidents.

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Never remove or defeat the tripping mechanisms designed into the snow removal equipment by its manufacturer. Doing so may cause damage to the vehicle and the snow removal equipment as well as possible airbag deployment.

When driving with a plow, your engine may run at a higher temperature than normal because the attached snowplow blade will restrict airflow to the radiator.

If you are driving more than 15 mi (24 km) at temperatures above freezing, angle the plow blade either full left or full right to provide maximum airflow to the radiator.

If you are driving less than 15 mi (24 km) at speeds up to 45 mph

(72 km/h) in cold weather, you will not need to worry about blade position to provide maximum airflow.

Shift transfer case to 4L (4WD Low) when plowing in small areas at speeds below 5 mph (8 km/h).

Shift transfer case to 4H (4WD High) when plowing larger areas or light snow at higher speeds. Do not exceed 15 mph (24 km/h).

Do not shift the transmission from a forward gear to R (Reverse) until the engine is at idle and the wheels have stopped.

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To install the floor mats, position the floor mat eyelet over the retention post and press down to lock in position.

To remove the floor mat, reverse the installation procedure.

Note: Regularly check the floor mats to make sure they are secure.

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