New Alaskan Member

[arcticracer]

Cool, a place to hang now that I have just bought a new Civic LX Coupe (5M) for the express purpose of saving on gas. I have just over 1000 miles on it, love it to death, and am doing quite well in the MPG department. 46.28 is my best so far, from Anchorage to Fairbanks. 58 MPH, windows up, no AC, 38 psi, engine off coasting, shifting under 2500, etc. I am sure I can improve as I learn more. I got 34.55 with the first tank of around town driving.

I am curious how I will do in our crazy winter conditions: With snow tires, insane cold temps, snow and ice, heater blasting, lights on, etc.

[RH77]

Welcome to EM...

That's a pretty good baseline to start with.

Winter is a real bummer for mileage. I'm not sure if you have a "Winter" blend of fuel up there, but that tends to drop the FE. Plus the road conditions, accessory load, and getting/keeping the engine warm for efficiency.

First question: do you have an Engine Block Heater? I'm sure most folks do there -- but it has been a great addition for many in warmer climates.

BTW, I'll be in your neck of the woods in Early August (making the Anchorage to Fairbanks drive as well). Your part of the world is truly amazing

Best FE to ya...

RH77

[SVOboy]

Glad you're liking the new ride! What's the temperature like up there? I have a friend from out that way, quite the nordic skier, he is.

Welcome to ecomodder!

[arcticracer]

Hey gang, weather in Fairbanks right now is rainy, cool and grey. Around 60 I would say. A couple days ago it was 80 though. Yesterday we turned the corner and started losing daylight 1 minute. About 21 hours plus never gets dark really.

As for winterization of the new Civic, I have lived here 21 years and have winterized quite a few vehicles. A block heater is a MUST HAVE ITEM, should you park your car outside for more than a few hours. Also, a silicone oil pan heater, about 100 watts keeps crankcase oil warm and protects the engine in a cold start. I also will install a small, maybe 40 watt silicone heater on the transmission. Not as important on a manual, but necessary in my book on any automatic. These are thin orange colored flexible heating pads that you attach to the engine with high heat silicone adhesive.

Some people like to install battery blankets (heated wraps) but I don't use them. 10-20 years ago it was common to install interior heaters, little heaters around 1000 watts with a fan that helps warm the interior somewhat. It would increase the cab temp in a Toyota truck by 40 degrees.

Another trick is blocking the grille, helps a lot. I normally slide a piece of cardboard in front of the radiator, but not right up against it.

Snow tires, extreme cold, lots of extra friction, etc. will take a steep toll on FE I know. BUT, I will do better than my 2004 F350 Powerstroke.

I used to have an 86 Civic Si Hatchback, the car was great, but the heater was dismal in Fairbanks winters. Would only heat well over about 25 MPH. Idling and around town I would freeze. I have every reason to believe my new Civid will not have that problem. My test drive showed ample very hot air flowing when heater was on full blast, at idle. I am hopeful for a warm winter in it.

Can anybody comment on late model Civid heater performance in very cold weather?

[Daox]

Welcome to the site. I'd definitly block off pretty much the entire front end of that car for your temps! I ran my Matrix this way last winter and coolant temps were fine. I'd recommend also looking into getting a scangauge.

[Blue07CivicEX]

I'm in NY with an 07 Civic Coupe the heater seems to work ok in the winter, takes the car a little bit to warm up in the real cold (real cold here is about -10, -15f). I would like to get an engine block heater for it once I have a place to plug it in. I plan on keeping my grill blocks up all winter and possibly moving the intake next to the headers to help with warming it up.

[Trox]

Winter drops my economy I drive from Wasilla to Anchorage during the week. I have added my chart so you can see the difference between summer and winter.