GreenHybrid Interactive Hybrid Car Resource
Home Discuss Articles Compare Share Shop
GreenHybrid.com   Hybrid Car Forums   Tech Information   Mileage & Specs   Photo Gallery   Buying Guide  
GreenHybrid Mileage Database - Click here to track your MPG! Join Hybrid car discussions today - Create a FREE GreenHybrid Account

Go Back   GreenHybrid - Hybrid Cars > Hybrid Topics > Fuel Economy & Emissions
Sign in using an external account
Register Forgot Password?
Register Photos FAQ Members Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read GarageDealers Add a Tank TSB & Recalls
Welcome to GreenHybrid - Hybrid Cars

Fuel Economy & Emissions Talk about the mileage database, EPA, hypermiling, gas and driving strategy.
Sponsored by Optima Batteries
Click Here
Advertisement

Reply
 
 
 
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Search this Thread
  #1 (permalink)  
Old 11-28-2007, 08:50 AM
Enthusiast
 
Real Name: Dan
Hybrids: 06 honda civic hybrid
Posts: 2
Unhappy Why is my MPG so low?

I am a new member and I was looking at all the high MPG's people are getting. I am wondering why I may be getting such low numbers (37-39 MPG). I do mostly city driving which I know will affect it, but I have never seen above 42 even on trips. I do my best to take off slow and use moderate pedal control. I have owned my 06 HCH for about 6 months. I got it with 26,000 miles and it now has 42,000 miles on it. If anyone has an idea how to improve my MPG's, please let me know.

Thanks,
Dan
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiTweet this Post!
Reply With Quote
  #2 (permalink)  
Old 11-28-2007, 09:07 AM
bwilson4web's Avatar
Engineering first
 
Real Name: Bob
Location: Huntsville, AL
Hybrids: Prius Classic 03
Posts: 5,613
Default Re: Why is my MPG so low?

Hi,

I think some of the HCH owners once posted something about the 'defrost' being on by default when the car is started. Just something to check.

Bob Wilson

.

After April 3, use e-mail to contact me:

Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiTweet this Post!
Reply With Quote
  #3 (permalink)  
Old 11-28-2007, 10:05 AM
pBen's Avatar
Enthusiast
 
Real Name: Ben Hirsch
Hybrids: 07 Civic Hybrid II
Posts: 38
Default Re: Why is my MPG so low?

We just took possession of a new HCH II and working on our first 150 miles. In five days our average is 37 mpg with a combo of city and Hwy. There's usually 2-4 occupants.

Today we were stuck on the freeway behind a truck accident moving at 5-8 mph and the gas motor was running (unlike the Prius from my understanding). We watched the mpg drop 1 mpg during that 1 mile 20 minute trip.

With the new MPG numbers (40 city and 45 hwy) on the 08 sticker, getting high 30s in our primarily city driving scenario seems appropriate. Hoping for higher as the car breaks in.
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiTweet this Post!
Reply With Quote
  #4 (permalink)  
Old 11-28-2007, 12:56 PM
Ridiculously Active Enthusiast
 
Real Name: Harold Wilkie
Location: Grand Forks B.C.
Hybrids: HCH 11 2006/ Prius 2006
Posts: 1,955
Default Re: Why is my MPG so low?

You just have a heavy foot compared too most? You must have a feather foot in order to get numbers over 50mpg. If you are in a hurry it is impossible to achive high numbers.
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiTweet this Post!
Reply With Quote
  #5 (permalink)  
Old 11-28-2007, 01:25 PM
Ridiculously Active Enthusiast
 
Hybrids: 2006 HCHII
Posts: 1,102
Default Re: Why is my MPG so low?

Quote:
Originally Posted by mycivichybrid View Post
I am a new member and I was looking at all the high MPG's people are getting. I am wondering why I may be getting such low numbers (37-39 MPG). I do mostly city driving which I know will affect it, but I have never seen above 42 even on trips. I do my best to take off slow and use moderate pedal control. I have owned my 06 HCH for about 6 months. I got it with 26,000 miles and it now has 42,000 miles on it. If anyone has an idea how to improve my MPG's, please let me know.

Thanks,
Dan
Try the HCH-specific area for more responses, and try the search feature. There is a wealth of info on this very subject.

Quickly, I can say check your tire pressure, increase it a bit over what the door jam says, slow down, try to use your brakes less (look ahead in traffic), check your air filter, accelerate slowly...

Are just a few quick ideas. Do a bit of research and read "Tarabell's article".

You can do it!
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiTweet this Post!
Reply With Quote
  #6 (permalink)  
Old 11-28-2007, 07:51 PM
kristian's Avatar
Ridiculously Active Enthusiast
 
Location: Colorado Springs
Hybrids: 2006 HCH II, 2008 MMH
Posts: 773
Default Re: Why is my MPG so low?

Quote:
Originally Posted by bwilson4web View Post
Hi,

I think some of the HCH owners once posted something about the 'defrost' being on by default when the car is started. Just something to check.

Bob Wilson
Along those lines, make sure that your air conditioner is displayed "AC-off", as it could be on (even in cold weather) in all other settings.

Honestly, my mileage has been pretty crappy too since the weather got cold. I'm lucky hit 50mpg on in the cold mornings and the high 60mpg commutes home are now a distant memory. It's enough to make me consider an engine block heater...

.


Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiTweet this Post!
Reply With Quote
  #7 (permalink)  
Old 11-28-2007, 08:59 PM
giantquesadilla's Avatar
Ridiculously Active Enthusiast
 
Real Name: Colby
Location: San Diego, CA, USA
Hybrids: 2007 White Honda Civic Hybrid, 2013 Fit EV
Posts: 941
Default Re: Why is my MPG so low?

In addition to what everyone else wrote, I would try different gas. Some stations use 10% ethanol in their gas. The alcohol will make you FE suffer. Definitely read Tarabell's article and practice your driving.

GOOD LUCK!
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiTweet this Post!
Reply With Quote
  #8 (permalink)  
Old 11-30-2007, 08:22 AM
Enthusiast
 
Real Name: Dan
Hybrids: 06 honda civic hybrid
Posts: 2
Default Re: Why is my MPG so low?

Thank you everyone for your advice. I will be trying these things and I will get back to you all soon.
Thanks,
Dan
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiTweet this Post!
Reply With Quote
  #9 (permalink)  
Old 12-02-2007, 10:34 AM
Ridiculously Active Enthusiast
 
Location: So. California
Hybrids: 2010 Insight
Posts: 1,120
Default Re: Why is my MPG so low?

Be patient and alert to what you read here and what you experience in your car.

I've been working on it for four years now and am still learning.

.

This 2010 Insight EX is my third hybrid. 1st was 2004 HCH1, then a 2006 HCH2.
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiTweet this Post!
Reply With Quote
  #10 (permalink)  
Old 12-03-2007, 03:23 PM
Sungod18's Avatar
Part Time Hybrids
 
Real Name: ryan
Location: New England
Hybrids: 06 Honda Civic hybrid
Posts: 259
Default Re: Why is my MPG so low?

My own 2 cents:

From personal experience, however tempting avoid the urge to add more gas going uphill. Slowing down on the rise isn't a bad thing.

.

Hybrid Cars Mileage
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiTweet this Post!
Reply With Quote
Old 12-03-2007, 03:23 PM
 
 
 
Reply

Tags
accord, cars, change, civic, crv, gas, honda, hybrid, improving, low, lower, mileage, mpg, mpgs, oil

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off

Similar Threads
Thread Topic Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Tried Everything I've Read - MPG Doesn't Budge fcolliga Ford Escape Hybrid 16 11-17-2007 05:58 AM
1st oil change & loss of mpg hiendtime Honda Civic Hybrid 28 11-01-2006 06:12 AM
My commute mpg and elevation ericbecky Honda Insight 2 06-15-2005 09:19 PM
MPG Improvement Lewis Honda Accord Hybrid 7 04-01-2005 08:47 AM



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 09:40 PM.

Home | Hybrid Discussion Forums | Hybrid Articles Archive | Mileage Database | Hybrid Photo Galleries | Compare Vehicles
Terms of Service - Privacy Policy - Advertising
GreenHybrid.com, Copyright 2008
InternetBrands.com Automotive Network

GreenHybrid.com founded by Jason Siegel.
Emails Backup

SEO by vBSEO 3.5.2

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62