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Originally Posted by sno779
It's not so much car "break-in" as driver education....Louis
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BINGO
I've got less than two tankfuls under my belt on my HCH-II. I get 43 MPG. my drive IS mostly highway. But if you're getting under 40 MPG and it's not heavy stop-n-go traffic all the time - you may not be driving with the best fuel economy in mind. There IS supposedly a SPIKE in MPG anywhere from 3K to 8K miles (from reading on this site), but don't expect that to take you from 40 MPG to 50 MPG. Ain't gonna happen. Maybe 42 or 43 MPG.
I believe we can learn a lot from some of these guys' tips and techniques, but I will probably never achieve the ultra-high FE that some do for several reasons:
(1) I will not use MORE fuel by taking a much LONGER route just so that I can get better MPG numbers. MORE gas used is simply that in my mind - and makes no sense on an everyday basis. As a challenge to see "what's the best I could possibly do" maybe, but not for an everyday drive.
(2) I will not drive 15-20 miles per hour UNDER the speed limit. My time is more valuable, and the "making yourself a nuisance and a danger" factor is too great for me. I try to mostly keep up with the right-hand-side lanes traffic (usually around the speed limit).
(3) I will not coast with the engine off. Safety factor.
(4) I will not drive in the summer without AIR. Texas is just too hot.
If I can get my MPG up to 45-46, I'll be happy.
What's your goal? If it's the EPA rating of 47/49, ask yourself if you ever got the EPA rating from previous vehicles. If not, don't expect it from the HCH, unless you change your driving habits (like I have to as well).
I suspect that folks that drive their HCH's about like regular drivers would(that's me), probably get in the low to mid 40's MPG. So you're in the ball-park.
Welcome aboard! There are a lot of really sharp, motivated, and kind people here. Stick around and you'll see.
