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Old 05-07-2008, 09:42 PM
gumby gumby is offline
Energy Independence
 
Real Name: Steve
Location: Richardson, TX
Hybrids: '06 Civic Hybrid Magnetic Pearl w/Navi (as of July 1, 2006)
Posts: 1,124
Default Re: New HCH owner checking in

Welcome! And excellent choice
Tips:
(1) Slow down.
(2) Read Tarabell's article. You can find links to it on this site. (Search is your friend.)
(3) Keep more distance between you and the vehicle in front of you than you've grown accustomed to. This way, you can use the brakes less.
(4) Drive as if your brakes aren't working too well. You'll find yourself doing #3 above, planning for red lights better, etc. Using less brakes means losing less momentum, and using less energy to get back up to speed. Acceleration and high-speed are real FE killers.
(5) Learn to "feather" the gas pedal.
(6) Slow down.
(7) Make SURE your tires are not under-inflated. Many here pump them up beyond 40 PSI.
(8) Watch the instant FE gauge to learn what works and what doesn't.
(9) Learn how to use the AC without it killing you MPG by not letting it get into "full-blast" mode (control the temp and fan speed somewhat manually, lowering the temp a time or to in order to get to a comfortable temp.
(10) Did I mention - slow down! Seriously, 55-65 miles per hour will net you 50+ MPG. 75 MPH will net you 45 MPG (or less).

.

Steve

STOP terrorism - Drive a HYBRID

Vehicles:
350 miles a week ------------ 2006 HCH II, Magnetic Pearl, w/NAVI (born on May 25, 2006)
350 miles a month ---------- 2003 Mazda Tribute ES-V6
350 miles a year (for now) - 1986 Mercedes 560SL
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