I see improvements up to 70* with the block heater... afa the grill block, I think you are supposed to take it off completely around that temperature too.

 

Ok. now I'm compuse. Do i remove Engine BLOCK heater the actually device install? or block the GRILL so air will not go INSIDE ENGINE bay and cool ENGINE off?

 

I think I am compuse too...

I'm certainly no expert, but if it were me, if I lived in SoCal I'd just block the grill during the chilly months, if there are any.

I can't imagine you'd get much benefit from a block heater. Even in Va they looked at me like I had three eyes when I took the car in to have one installed. Apparently they just aren't that commonly used around here.

 

Maybe at Bear Mountain? H

 

Ok to use block heater all year round, but not Ok to block grill all the time. I say if you live in SoCal you should not block the grill. yeah it helps when the engine is cold but it can beat up the engine with too much heat if you dont watch the engine temp.

ks

 

Hey all,

I thought I'd quick give you all an update on how things have been faring for me.

BTW, the "SD" I wrote earlier stood for "South Dakota," not San Diego.

The oil has definitely helped. However, I don't think Civic Hybrid's were designed to get great MPGs in cold temps (30s and below) and high winds. On the other hand, I don't think any other car would fare remarkably better (save perhaps the Prius).

The 0W-20 has probably added 2-3 mpgs by itself. I'm sure with more temperate weather, this will finally reach into the 40s.

Lastly, check out cwerdna's link at http://waybackmachine.org/jsp/Interstitial.jsp?seconds=5&date=1230720280000&url= http%3A%2F%2Fwww.consumerreports.org%2Fcro%2Fcars% 2Fnew-cars%2Fbuying-advice%2Fmost-fuelefficient-cars-206%2Findex.htm&target=http%3A%2F%2Freplay.wayback machine.org%2F20081231104440%2Fhttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.co nsumerreports.org%2Fcro%2Fcars%2Fnew-cars%2Fbuying-advice%2Fmost-fuelefficient-cars-206%2Findex.htm/200...-206/index.htm.

I found the numbers on this website to be much nearer reality. Although lower than the EPAs otherwise-reliable new number, the HCHII still ranks 5th!

 

Hey Ken:
I have a 06 HCH2 and a 06 Prius and my HCH does better in cold. Prius does not like cold. Big hit on the warm up! I managed 75 mpg over a 35 mile stretch on Sun. with the HCH2 and the temp. where 40 deg.. Not too shabby!!! Speed limit was 45mph and I used C.C 90%
Cheers:
H

 

I wish I had a Prius too instead of just readin BS all over the place. Thanks Harold; its nice to hear it from someone who owns the two cars.
man I just love my hch2 more and more.

ks

 

Nothing wrong with the HCH2! It is a pleasure to drive as well as thrifty! H

 

Awesome! I'm happy to hear that. I guess it would take more fuel to warm up that larger...1.8 is it? At any rate, some of the online Prius communities make it sound like all is rainbow and sunshine for Prius owners, so it's nice to hear they live in the real world too.

In general, I've found that my HCHII performs optimally in optimal conditions (duh!). However, even when conditions aren't the best, there's still a lot that I can do to improve my economy. At the end of the day, however, I'm still a remarkably satisfied customer because my 2008 Civic Hybrid still gets better economy--with MUCH improved styling and comfort--than the 2001 Corolla it replaced.

Cheers!