How To Drive A CMAX Hybrid/FFH To Get Great Gas Mileage!

[@catrinal.handley-carter9435]

I am NEW to the Hybrid family and this video helped me better understand.

[@heatherbaker6489]

After seeing 3 other KZbin post you have explained this the best. Thank you.

[@MrCMAX]

You are welcome. :)

[@anonpre2000]

The good: I think most people would do well by noting that you're taking your foot off the gas when an obvious obstruction (red light/stop sign/etc) lies ahead. I'd wager the best value is obtained by driving in this manner - too many people are powering up till the last second, when they apply the brakes wasting an enormous amount of energy. I can't see any more valuable advice than this, and this is great. The bad: I'd plead with people to use their cruise control instead of slowing down up hills and accelerating (coasting) down hill. Your speed varied between from about 40 to 50 in those spots which won't endear anyone behind you! The cruise control will accomplish the same savings (it will also coast and charge the battery downhill) with only (IMO) a slight loss of savings by keeping your speed consistent up hills. Of course, the earlier advice - in this case disengaging the cruise control - when faced with an upcoming stop, will provide the best savings overall, along with preventing people behind you from road rage!!

[@MrCMAX]

In a 45 mph that's not to bad, but some people will ride your rear bumper no matter what speed you go. That falls under the Pulse and Glide strategy which improves mpg's. :( I try not to have people behind me, let them go around me if possible and drive in the slow lane.

[@MrCMAX]

Just remembered you can use ECO Cruise which slows down a little going uphill and speeds up going down hill.

[@rohannasfaw9817]

underrated advice

[@crb464]

great video, super helpful as I just purchased a fusion hybrid. thanks!

[@isaacgodbolt9244]

You made this so easy to understand

[@MrCMAX]

Your Welcome. :)

[@DannyHauger]

Thank you for posting this guide Paul!!

[@adkleiner]

thanks for filming this, might be buying a 2014 C-Max hybrid this week. When you say you let off the gas, you are just coasting with the engine off, correct? How dos this work when on the highway with cruise control?

[@MrCMAX]

No, I pretty much never used the cruise control.

[@cancelfederalreservedebt8576]

I don't seem to get the range off my EV that you do it appeared to me you can stay in EV upwards to a minute. I'm trying to drive my car like you do and I have studied this but maybe I'm missing something here. I'll keep looking this is a very interesting video and I appreciate it. You have already got me driving my car differently. Maybe your tires are more inflated or the outside temperature is a little cooler. I haven't even checked the pressure on my tires because I've only had the car about 2 weeks. Also the outside temperature is typically about 90 degrees during the day as I live down here in Georgia.

[@MrCMAX]

I live in Newnan, GA how about you? Are you on the fordcmaxhybridforum.com? The Atlanta EV/Hybrid Club is having a National Drive Electric Week Event Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018 2 PM-6 PM in Atlanta Link: driveelectri...hp?eventid=1519

[@cancelfederalreservedebt8576]

@@MrCMAX I am near warner robins. I am doing better and am up to 43.7 mpg. When I fill up again I am going to clear memory to see of possibly I am slowly rising because the overall gas mileage before my last tank was lower and it is calculating that into it - don't know because I'm still learning. Thanks for your assistance!

[@MrCMAX]

Glad to hear things are improving and I'm about 2 hours away in Newnan

[@catrinal.handley-carter9435]

This was so informative! I understand now that I don’t have to switch anything the car switches on it’s on depending on my driving. But how will ai know when to put gas in the car???

[@MrCMAX]

When you get down to 50 miles of range you will get a yellow warning light and sound. the fuel gauge is above the fuel pump symbol dash display.

[@petersciacca9474]

Hey internet, Just got a 2016 C-Max SEL, 55k miles, 1 original owner, clean title and spotless inside and out. Any advice for a new C-Max owner?

[@MrCMAX]

All I can say is watch my three videos to get the most info to maximize the gas mileage of your car.

[@glenncommons3371]

Dear Mr. CMAX, I have had a 2013 C-MAX for almost three years. It now has 53,000 miles. I have always driven the car the way you show by maximizing the amount of time it is in EV and was getting 45.7 mpg on the road, even with the A/C on, and about 48 in town. The mileage recently dropped to under 40 mpg on the road and about 42 in town. The only thing that changed was that I got new tires: Mastercraft all weather, same size as the originals. My tire store and Ford both say that the tires would not account for that difference. Ford wants $129.00 to do a system analysis. Do you have any thoughts on what has happened to cause this mpg drop? I have noticed that it is harder to keep the car moving in EV mode, but why?

[@MrCMAX]

Hi Glenn it is definitely the tires, Michelin Energy Savers are the best for MPG's. I would put the Maximum tire pressure listed on the tires in the tires to start with. Are you on the fordcmaxhybridforum.com ? There is a lot of information there. You can also try some good Injector cleaner. where do you live? Temps are going down so MPG's will too. Don't waste your money at Ford yet . Let me know what happens. Tires will make that big of a difference. Paul

[@glenncommons817]

Mr. CMAX . Thank you for the reply. I do like the grip of the new tires, so I'll try higher tire pressure. This morning, (25 degrees) I could not keep the car in EV mode until it warmed up. I may try the engine oil heater as you suggested. Thanks for the forum link; I'm now a member.

[@MrCMAX]

Gill Covers will make a big difference getting the ICE up to operating temps. Let me know how it work out.:)

[@glenncommons3371]

I first made a cardboard grill cover to determine if there would be a difference. There was!, So I made a new cover using a semi-flexible plastic from Lowe's, and the results are positive. I purchased an inexpensive EBDII reader on Amazon with an app to use on my cell phone, but it did not work - would not connect - and the vendor then admitted their device does not work on hybrid cars. Got a refund. I'm now getting about 45 - 46 mpg around town but wont test highway mpg until I take a 200 mile trip to IL later this week. I've ordered an OBDLink LX OBDII reader ($50.00) which is supposed to work with hybrid cars. I'll let you know how it works.

[@MrCMAX]

Sounds good, let us know how it goes.:)

[@jaronking9484]

I'm going to look at a 2013 cmax tomorrow what should I look out for? Has 118k miles. Thank for the cool video

[@MrCMAX]

Make sure the transmission has been changed and good Michelin energy saver tires.

[@peek-a-boom]

I have got the same car, but it is hard to get fuel economy. Driving, 110 km/h speed for 300 km straight. it is only can be useful in city drive.

[@Avocette1]

I drove one of these when it was a fleet vehicle - wish I understood the gauges better then. Thanks for the tutorial. Still not getting what the 45mph marker is though, will have to do more research. Also, what about the specialty items you installed? How much did the wheel covers, etc., improve gas mileage?

[@MrCMAX]

The Aerodynamic video covers all that info so please watch and if you have anymore questions after watching I would be glad to help you. Paul

[@aPpiknik]

Mr. C-Max. I'm looking into buying a used 2013-2015 c-max energi. I do a lot of long drives. Would it be more to my benefit to get the hybrid, or the energi?

[@MrCMAX]

I would go for the Hybrid, it gets better MPG's, has more room, no big battery in the back and weighs 250 lbs. less so it handles better. I like the 2013 the best, because better Smart Gauge features like LifeTime mpg average. The 2013 to mid. 2014 can have trans issues which isn't that bad if you are still under warranty. I would extend warranty as long as you can if trans hasn't been replaced. I like the SEL model better too.

[@sovereignrightbeautiful1960]

@@MrCMAX how much is transmission to fix? I jist bought used c-max with 138K. I'm getting 41mpg around town.

[@MrCMAX]

Here is a new CVT for sale on CMAX Forum: fordcmaxhybridforum.com/topic/7342-anybody-want-a-almost-brand-new-ecvt-baltimore/ New $6k plus labor.

[@rord9359]

Mr C-Max, I have a question. I have been following your mode of driving on my 2014 CMax Hybrid, but I can never get my Ave MPG reading on the left screen to go up more than 36 to 37 MPG. Although when I turn off the car, the trip reading says 56.1 MPG or 49.8 MPG or some higher number, depending on whether I am really mindful about maximizing the battery charge (keeping within the blue bars). BUT... when I pump in gas and calculate my actual usage based on the amount I put in and distance I drove, it returns ONLY about 28 to 30 MPG on average. Now I don't know if I can trust the screen reading at all. Also I put 50psi on my tires like you suggested. I am in Los Angeles, CA, so cold weather is not an issue. Any thoughts?

[@MrCMAX]

OK the first thing I would do is join the FORDCMAXHybridforum.com which should have the answer to all your questions. I'm worried we may have some miss understanding here, but I will make a try at it. I would also recommend joining Fuelly.com to keep track of you gas mileage. It is Hot outside now so I'm assuming you are using the A/C which hurts MPG's and also I use actual mileage which I use portable GPS to keep track of actual miles driven like drive 50 to 100 miles see the difference between Smart Trip gauge and GPS. You should end up with 1.6-2% difference so when you fillup you need to multiply the difference 1.016 - 1.02 miles times the Smart Gauge trip 1 miles to get actual miles driven divid by gallons used. When you fillup do you reset #1 Trip gauge? What kind of driving are you doing, city or HWY and how fast and far are you going? You can post pics on the CMAX Hybrid Forum of your Smart Gauge display. What is your life time brake score? How many miles do you have on the car and what are the numbers for Trip 2 display? Well this is a start so we will go from here. Paul

[@MrCMAX]

I don't know if I replied to this one or not. How many miles do you have on CMAX and have you tried some good fuel injector cleaner in the tank? Is your driving mostly HWY and what speed do you at?

[@michellemarchand1010]

I just purchased a used 2015 C-max. One hour drive home and I used your methods. Managed 47mpg on the highway:) I’m not sure I perfected the technique as I only watched the video with curiosity but I was wondering if using the brakes on hills at high speeds would cause them to wear sooner?

[@MrCMAX]

Congratulations on becoming CMAX owner and if you haven't done it already join fordcmaxhybridforum.com alot of info there and I'm PTjones. You only actually use the brakes if you push on them too hard, because you need more braking than what regenitive braking will give you. I believe the 2015 CMAX can be setup on Smart Gauge to show Brake Coach score when you stop. My Life Time average is 97% regen braking score. That is the % of braking regen energy recovered. I have 186k mi. on my CMAX and my brakes look great, should never have to replace them.:) Going down hill you can use hill assist button on side on shiftier to regen faster automatically instead of using brakes. Sounds like you are doing a great job on your mileage. The smart Gauge is off by 1.5-2 mpg to the minus side( comparing actual gallons used and miles traveled) and odometer is off to the plus side 1.6 - 2% miles. You will have to determine this with portable GPS. Good Luck with your New CMAX.:)

[@sovereignrightbeautiful1960]

Paul was there any particular spark plug that you used that helped in the gas mileage? Also did you add any additives to your gasoline?

[@MrCMAX]

Just changed spark plugs and it didn't make a difference in MPG. I do use injector cleaner every 10 - 20k miles which helps some.

[@criscross7362]

I'd like to know if buying a 2015 C-Max will be a good idea even though the car has been discontinued.

[@MrCMAX]

I think it is a great idea, probably a 2015 or newer. Manufactures generally keeps replacement parts for 10 years after they stop making a vehicle, I have 227k miles on my 2013. :)

[@halaheleu7013]

Was looking to buy a 2018 c max . Run lucus fuel treatment in fuel and motorkote in oil in a 2016 focus and get about 43mpg . Is it worth it to get the C max? The C max seems much better in lots of ways.. like the seats ,the room, the visibility, the comfort, ride, quietness. ..Does C max do better on highway or in town driving? Really like the focus but visibility isnt good not much room in it ..

[@MrCMAX]

It sounds like you are getting good gas mileage in your Focus, CMAX will do much better around town, but similar on the HWY unless you use my Video Tips which should get you around 48-59 mpg. CMAX is more practical with the extra room. Paul

[@cancelfederalreservedebt8576]

I just bought a used 2013 C-Max. Love it. Im trying your recomnendations to maximize mpg. Why did you have to have the transmission fixed so soon? I assume it has nothing to do with the way you drive to increase mpg but that seems to be far too soon. I had sold my 2008 primus with 288,000 miles which got me almost 50 mpg when driven correctly and it never had a transmission issue. I probably could have made 300,000K but decided to try the 2013 Ford C-Max with ~140K. One thing about prius was it sounded old but maybe my 10,000k to even 30,000k between oil changes using Amsoil hurt it - don't think so though. These engines that start stop start stop continuously have to take a beating versus an engines that runs continuously

[@MrCMAX]

I believe I was one of the highest mileage 2013 CMAX Hybrids to fail, I currently have 110k mi. on new trans with no problems. FORD had a bearing problem with some 2013 CMAX's. CMAX uses different strategy in that it is designed to run in EV only, Prius isn't, you are lucky to get I'm guessing 5-10% EV only. I'm averaging 52% EV with 78% HWY miles. With 209k miles I use a quart about 13-15k ICE miles or 30k total miles. If you have 140k miles and no problems I'm thinking you won't have a problem.

[@cancelfederalreservedebt8576]

@@MrCMAX thank you and that video was very informative to me.

[@JoeeeBlack1]

Hello, i know its not related... I have problem with my C-Max 2013, central locking system is not working. Non of doors are opening or locking, nor key nor from inside, local electrician checked and he said he sees doors and its okey even command of opening is going through but signal is not going on doors itself... What can be the problem...

[@nathanr3176]

I am curious about your choice of tires for the Cmax. What has been your experience with different brands?

[@MrCMAX]

Both Tire Rack and Consumer Reports say Michelin Energy Savers get the best MPG's from their testing. www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/testDisplay.jsp?ttid=121

[@nathanr3176]

Are the Michelin tires what you ran? They have a fairly short warranty, and many people complained about only getting around 35000 good miles out of them. I bought a used cmax hybrid with the michelin tires on it. The car has 38000 miles and the tires are shot.

[@MrCMAX]

@@nathanr3176 I used Michelin ES tires and getting between 64 to 95k miles from the tires. I use 50 pi and cross rotate often, make sure your alignment is good also. How is the wear across your tires? ES's are warrantied for 55k miles.

[@heavenmartinez4493]

Do you have any idea why my 2013 C-Max hybrid is getting 33mpg on the freeway while I’m only going on average 65 mph? I live in a pretty flat area.

[@MrCMAX]

I don't know if you have watched all my videos, but that could help. How many miles do you have on your car? Have you tried using a real good injector cleaner? Check your tire pressure, I use 50 psi for 256k miles. How long has it been since you replaced your air cleaner? I use premium from BJ's or Sam's to keep the price down, it's worth 1-2 mpg. Paul

[@MrDarenhayes]

Hi... great video...First off i absolutely LOVE my CMAX , most fun car to drive ive ever owned.....ive read many of your comments on the forum, i just was wondering though in this video , you arent using cruise control? You dont use it? i almost always do and i think i have ev max and something turned on as well, should i have those ticked? EV + or something? Im trying to get better mileage, its warming up now and ive noticed a huge difference.. im around 42-43mpg now i would love to see it get higher.. I still have my "bald" winter tires on as well (on separate winter black rims), i just purchased new all seasons for my mags, im hoping they wont effect mileage lol... ANyway, if you have any suggestions id appreciate them, and keep posting, i LOVE reading your comments etc.. Oh also, i think i am going to buy that pipe insulation and try sticking it in the grill lol.. i have the grey cmax same as yours i think SEL... Thanks again !

[@MrCMAX]

I hardly ever use ECO cruise unless I just get tired. I do use EV+ and OEM Michelin's get the best mpg's. With temps up 60 - 80*F I'm averaging 56 -57 mpg using all of my MODs and Hypermiling techniques. I also use Premium gas. Good Luck:)

[@MrDarenhayes]

thank yyou

[@Lincolnator721]

Before this video, I watched a review on a 1987 Lincoln Town Car... down bad, right?

[@MrCMAX]

I haven't watched that.

[@hunterkyle2021]

Does that say 150k miles? Am I reading that correctly? If so how has this thing held up? I know its basically a Prius (general design) which is one of the most reliable cars made in my opinion. Have you changed the transmission fluid or spark plugs yet?

[@MrCMAX]

I have 187K mi. now with original plugs and injectors, trans replaced at 97k mi. so 90k mi. on new trans and haven't replaced trans fluid. I went to Deltona, FL and back yesterday (930mi., 14.5hrs.) got 50.2 mpg at the pump(Fuelly.com average) and still averaged 60mph with some stop and go FWY traffic., most of the time 70+mph. I just love to drive this car. :)

[@SamtheCanuck]

Out of curiosity how many miles does it say you have available after a full charge with 187K miles on the battery (in non extreme weather conditions)? I bought a 2016 CMAX Energi in October and love it so far.

[@MrCMAX]

I have a 2013 CMAX Hybrid, not Energi, sorry. CMAX Hybrid only uses about 1/3 of the HVB capacity and in 5.5 yrs I think I have only lost 10-20% which has no effect on MPG's. Are you on fordcmaxenergiforum.com? Paul

[@anonpre2000]

replacing the transmission at only 97K sounds BAD! Can you give more details? @@MrCMAX

[@MrCMAX]

@@anonpre2000 2013 and really 2014 CMAX/FFH had some trans failures caused from bad bearing.

[@Adabulldoya]

hello im not sure if you will see this but if anyone can answer cool. was wondering if the battery gauge should ever be full mine seems to stay around halfway. recently rebuilt transmission(bearings) battery was dead after being parked in sun a few days engine was out car apart on lift for a long time i drove it home to try to see what happens and if it dies again

[@MrCMAX]

The only way you can fillup the HVB is with using regen braking, most of the time it will be in the middle. Good luck with the 12 volt battery, how old is it?

[@Adabulldoya]

Mr. CMAX the regular little car battery is probably stock. I got the car from my boss he got it from a customer who could not afford to fix it I am going to try it out going from a full size built Chevy tuned headers all that

[@thedopplereffect00]

What do you think about just driving in L mode for Max regen?

[@MrCMAX]

Personally I almost never use L, only when I'm going down steep slow hill to control my speed. Using your brakes does the same thing if you don't press to hard.:)

[@michaeld954]

What about down hill charging how do you get it to maximize it Prius has b mode what does c max have

[@MrCMAX]

You can use downhill asst on the shifter which creates more braking effect and will us ICE braking with no fuel when the HVB gets charged up. If you know you are going to have a long down hill grade try to run down the HVB as low as you can so you can capture more energy and not waist if.

[@moisestrujillo5665]

I have a question I have a 2016 Ford c max se I have a 42300 miles but I only get 42 mpg I have to switch the o2 sensor on it I use Shell gas and I do delivery with my car also any pointers you shoot at me with this issue thanks

[@moisestrujillo5665]

Also how the battery life 150,000 did ever had to replace I never had a hybird so this my first one

[@MrCMAX]

I don't know you ever have to replace it. Did you look at my my Mods and Hypermiling videos?

[@MrCMAX]

What happened to your O2 sensor? I have replaced nothing on my engine with 161K miles. You should be getting 55-60 MPG around town using MY Great Gas Mileage and MOD videos.

[@moisestrujillo5665]

Because my engine light came on and the I took to AutoZone they say it was my o2 then took to Ford. They said it was Cadillac converter that a 450 dollar job I just replace my o2 sensor but I still get 42 mpg now

[@moisestrujillo5665]

I'm think of get the mod you have for the computer to monitor my mpg and Temp

[@elvis55555]

Where do you get hold of that scan guage?

[@MrCMAX]

Any Auto Parts store or eBay.

[@elvis55555]

Do you have a model number?

[@MrCMAX]

Model # for what?

[@MrCMAX]

ScanGaugeII

[@1Starscream117]

Do you still sell the grill/wheel covers?

[@MrCMAX]

I do have some Grill Covers left for $100 . Best to go to fordcmaxhybridforum.com message ptjones to get info on how to get them. I never made the wheel covers for sale because of the time and expense to make them.

[@jeffsmystic]

Where is the ob2 port at to plug that scantool into?

[@MrCMAX]

There two OBD ports , one under the dash by steering wheel shaft which is the easiest to plug in.

[@jeffsmystic]

@@MrCMAX thank you Sir

[@alejandroroque8927]

My C-Max gets an average 38 mpg, most recently when my car has been drinking the gasoline so quickly, for a mile it takes like 4 miles in . I have no idea what it is, has anyone had this problem?

[@MrCMAX]

I need more info. Can you be a little more precise explanation as to what is happening. Your gas mileage goes down when the ICE is running like 10-20 miles per gallon. But in EV your getting 999 mpg, your average is total miles divided by gallons used. Paul

[@Mattluck89]

How might this method be different with a Cmax Energi?

[@MrCMAX]

No it would be the same. Good luck