New 2014 Civic EX

[nuverde]

I just got a new Civic and am using this as an opportunity to change my driving habits for the better. Now that I am getting past the initial break-in period, I am seeing some increasing MPGs on my 24 mile commute. I can get above 40 MPG pretty easily and have gotten as high as 45.3 Hopefully this will continue to improve as the car gets more miles and I get more experience.

--Chris

[Daox]

Nice going Chris!

Do you have any form of instrumentation?

Any mods planned?

[nuverde]

The Civic has gauges for instant and trip fuel economy. Additionally, it has a feedback system that it calls "Eco Assist" that "tells you how efficiently you're driving, while you're driving. Instrument-panel lighting changes from blue (inefficient) to green (efficient), helping you get more from a gallon of gas".

Also, there is an "Econ" button that adjusts the responsiveness of the accelerator, the duty cycle of the A/C and the behavior of the CVT.

[nuverde]

Originally Posted by Daox

Any mods planned?

I am apprehensive about doing any mods at this point. I am running the tires at 40 PSI though. Any ideas for mods that wouldn't hurt my warranty? And my wife would probably flip if I did any cosmetic changes.

For now, the biggest mod is the driver.

[Daox]

I would throw an upper grill block on it. Get some black plastic (or paint some plastic black), and put it behind the grill with zip ties so its not noticeable.

[California98Civic]

Nice looking car!

I assume you have read the 100+ hypermile tips list above (100+ Hypermiling / ecodriving tips & tactics for better mpg - EcoModder.com).

Yes. Don't void warranty or piss-off your partner, who also has a stake in the vehicle. Totally good thinking. Daox is right about the grill. It can even be easily removable in design.

Hypermiling. For you, with your limited desire for mods, if it were my car, I'd:

1- slow down to 55 or 60mph on freeways and strictly speedlimit on surface roads
2- run with the tires at least 10psi over sidewall
3- shut off the engine (if it does not have autostop) at all lights longer than 10 seconds
4- find out if it has DFCO capability and use it in all situations where braking is needed
5- find out if it can coast in neutral and do so with the engine ON whenever it is safe and I want to roll as long and far as possible without the throttle.
6- keep all extra weight out of the car.
7- rarely if ever run the AC, toggling it for maximum efficiency.
8- switch to LED brakelights, if not already equipped.
9- get lightweight wheels and LRR tires.
10- get an Ultragauge.

[nuverde]

Thanks Cali! I will check out the tips and tactics.

[Cobb]

Brand new with zero miles? I think it took ten thousand miles before my insight exceeded 60 mpg. Also mpg goes up after an oil or cvt oil change. Is this one cvt or geared?

[nuverde]

We'll, 3 miles on the odometer when I got it. :-)

[darcane]

Originally Posted by Cobb

Brand new with zero miles? I think it took ten thousand miles before my insight exceeded 60 mpg. Also mpg goes up after an oil or cvt oil change. Is this one cvt or geared?

You can't get a Civic EX sedan with a manual any more...