hello everyone,

I am new to this forum along with owning a hybrid. I just bought a 2005 Honda Civic Hybrid and I was wondering if a low MPG is normal starting out?? I was reading other postings on this site and I have read some say it is pretty normal to not acheive maximum mpg capability until the car is 'broken in'. I am currently getting 34 mpg, up from 26mpg when I got it a couple weeks ago. I am learning the tricks of driving a hybrid, feathering the pedal, watching the mpg bars, econ button on with the AC, etc. I noticed that I have gone 200 miles and have used half a tank of gas...is that good?? Any advice or insight would be greatly appreciated. I also live in Arizona and have so far just been doing city driving...mainly from work to home. Thanks in advance!!

I'd say that's normal. There's a lot of learning a person has to do in order to get the high fuel economy that the EPA numbers show because the numbers are based on much 'easier' driving than most people do today. The car will also break-in and do a little better on it's own, but most of the change will come from how you drive the car.

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George, Welcome to GreenHybrid.com !!

Your first answer is YES - low mpg is normal starting out. That's a combination of things :

new car engine parts still "breaking in" and the friction is heavier
new driver (you) just learning how to use the instruments and tools to maximize MPG

I had a new HCH last July and the lifetime MPG on it was 34.4 when I got it. My first tank was 38.43 MPG. My best tank since has been 56.0 MPG. It does and will get better.

A few quick tips:

1. Inflate your tires up to at least the "max PSI" listed on the tire. This will get you at least safely into "overinflationland" and help you right off the bat.
2. What part of AZ are you in? If possible, try and use the A/C sparingly. It will kill MPG faster than anything else.
3. Drive as slowly as you feel comfortable at. Lower speeds mean higher economy.
4. Anticipate red lights and start slowing ahead of the game. The number one bad habit hurried people get into is "racing from red light to red light" and not really gaining anything other than wasted fuel.

Look around on thie site - you will find all the info you could possibly need and more !!

Good Luck !!

My CVT model started out 4 months ago in the 37-38 range and has stayed there until recently and is getting a bit better with over 4000 miles on it. This tank is showing around 41 MPG. Weather has cooled some. It all depends on how short your normal runs are. If real short 2-6 miles, you will be lower. You need to drive with a light foot. You might up the tire pressure. I keep mine at 35 PSI. I use my air when needed and dont go to extremes of others on this list.

wow, thank you for all the quick replies! Unfortunately I live in Phoenix Arizona so limited use of the AC won't be able to happen until it starts to cool off, but that will hopefully start to happen in a month or two...I will definitely take advantage of your advice and continue to read up in this forum. Thanks everyone!!

......and if you have a CVT pay close attention to make sure you are in "D", not "S".

'00 Insight "Wazabi" -75,000+ miles
'03 Toyota Matrix - 81,000+ miles
'03 HCH-CVT-OSBM-41,000+ miles (retired 04-10-06)
"I'm very secure with my little Insight, no Prius envy here."

We've got at least 3 or 4 active Arizona members, so if you feel really helpless, I'm pretty sure another AZ member can help you out in person with regards to real world application of various driving techniques.

I don't recall ever getting a low/high 30s including the break in period. Something is not right, make sure tire pressure is correct. Also, what kind of terrain or you traveling in? Lots of hills? Lots of traffic?

My entire break-in tank was spent around 32-35 MPG. Only in the last few days of it did I raise it to 40.5, as you can see in my tank log. My latest was 58+ MPG and I honestly don't think I'll ever drop below 50 again. 30's are perfectly healthy for a new HCH; you'll improve with time.

My first tank was lower 40's I believe.
I still occasionally catch myself in S, not D for almost the first mile.
I hate when I do that as the HCH can be a fuel PIG if not carefully nursed those first few minutes.

George, as soon as possible cylce the AC compressor as needed using the dash button instead of just leaving it on.

This summer here in GA has also been pretty hot. Even in the mid 90's with 99% sticky humidity I brought my cooler with ice water and a dabbing cloth.
I put a towel over my seat and center arm rest to keep it from getting nasty.
I doubt if my AC has been on for more than a half hour the whole summer, including defogger.
While there is no doubt that has been pretty extreme behavior look at my tank results. (You can click the figure in my signature below) A/C non-use played a big part of that.
My efforts have surely paid off, but what is that thing that keeps rolling down the back of my Left Leg?

My AC compressor should last longer too!

Efficient drivers do it better.
1003 miles a tank personal record. 74MPG calculated. HCH1 CVT