[bestclimb]

Originally Posted by mattrich67

Wow!!

The best way to calculate fuel mileage is how much fuel you use on gas gauge. And if I only go 150 miles on a half a tank I know I'm not getting but more then 30-35 mpg. If I got like 200 miles on half a tank I know I'm doing right.

Anybody can trick a on board computer. I do it all the time in my scion xb. I can get that to read in the 30 mpg range but when you do the real math and calculate the miles to gallons and read 24 mpg not 30 then you know you can't fully trust a on board gauge.

that works and I have done that but an instantaneous fuel usage gauge is orders of magnitude better. Ultra Gauge, Scan Gauge or MPGuino. I am partial to the Ultra Gauge for it's display and lower price point than the Scan Gauge. The mpguino as stated is the one to get if your car has lean burn.

The aftermarket ones have the capacity to be calibrated. a built in one that is incacurate is still a good indicator if you calibrate your head to it.

Originally Posted by mattrich67

3rd
When my civic is supposed to get 28 mpg city only that's what I expect on a average driver. Now since I'm driving slower at takeoff, coasting to a stop, shifting under 3000 rpm, and driving the most efficient as I am able to do. I would think that I could make at least 5-8 mpg better.
Also my 32 mpg is 40% freeway

Fourth : thanks for that advise

You may be taking off too slowly. I am kind of a fan of moderately heavy acceleration (at a lowish RPM). you use more fuel quickly but are up to an efficient cruising speed sooner.

The biggest gains as long as you are not lugging up to speed or flooring it and winding it near red line before shifting is made in how you slow down. try not to use your brakes.

and you are welcome.

Originally Posted by mattrich67

Fifth :
I have seen over and over civic owners non hybrid getting 40- 50 mpg with only changing driving habits and maybe a grill block.
That's why I am asking and if they can get 50 mpg why can't I get 40 mpg.

OR are they going by a scan gauge readout!?

And yes the ones I saw did go 60-65 mph on freeway.

OR

Are these people live in a town that's all flat ground no hills just smooth drive nice wheather

This is the stuff I am asking.

I think most of us go by miles traveled divided by the fuel put in the car. Our guages are calibrated pretty closely (my MPGuino was within 1% of the tank)

Hills are a good thing. up using a high load (less throttling losses) and down at nearly no fuel. for instance my flat and level 50mph consumption is 40mpg. Up hill I can get 25mpg. Down the same hill I am not using any. RT fuel for the hill is 50mpg (this is in my escort. My civic was about 10mpg better for all the values)

Good luck