What am I doing wrong?? 2005 Civic EX Auto

[xbUser]

How is your driving habit in Georgia? Are you driving most in city like now? or driving more in freeway? That makes the difference, too. Since you are driving 90% city, maybe you should plan a better route and look for some streets with "tuned timing traffic lights". In SF, some streets are well tuned for 35mph. If you drive in that speed, you will pass all traffic lights.

Civic EX has v-tec engine. Like azraelswrd,I recommend you buying scangauge. Higher than certain rpm, the engine will shift valve timing and use more gas. Scangauge can tell you what is the best FE/rpm. Also, check your brakes and see if any drag there. Even without applying hypermiling technique, Civic EX should get 26-28mpg in city without AC on if you are not racing.

[CoronaWithLime]

I am nearly sold on the ScanGauge. I'll go driving one evening when it's not 90 degrees outside and burn 25miles in the city and see how I do without the AC on. I am normally very conservative with it, and my finance is always wining about how hot it is in my car so you know how that goes... :-/

The scangauge would probably pay for itself before year end if I can get my avg up to 30.

[azraelswrd]

My scangauge will pay itself off within 9 to 10 months (assuming gas stays over $4/gall)

Here was the article on idling times:
Is it more efficient to leave your car idling? - By Brendan I. Koerner - Slate Magazine

...but it was in terms of a 6cyl engine so that might make a difference -- how much, I don't know. I just go by the 10sec rule (and make sure its not illegal to shut off your engine while stopped at a light). So far, I've shut off at a red light once because I've been getting better with timing my arrivals at stop lights.

[xbUser]

90 degree is not very bad in my area. Sometimes it will go over 100F. I only turn A/C on freeway under 90F because the wind is not hot. I feel better to open window in city driving. Maybe your area feels much hotter under 90F. Try park under shade, buy a good wind shield sun shade (shinny one) and tint the window will help.

[Miller88]

Originally Posted by rjacob

I have wondered, does this include recharging the battery for the drain of the starter motor which just drew a bunch of amperage?

I was thinking the same too. I guess it depends on how well you know your car. When my car is warmed up, I know just how long to hold the starter ... usually I just have to touch it and it starts. If your vehicle requires a few seconds to crank, or you crank it slightly longer yourself then maybe.

[CoronaWithLime]

I filled up again today. Used the AC sparsely all week and turned off engine @ traffic lights and popped into neutral probably about 25%-35% of distance traveled. MPG is up 19% since last week! Thanks for the tips!

[azraelswrd]

Glad to help. Every little thing adds up in the tank.

[xbUser]

Congratulation. That is a big step of improvement. Keep going!! Set a higher goal. I believe you can beat 30mpg soon.

[Daox]

Your short commute is at least one of the things killing your mileage. Look into getting a block heater installed so your engine gets up to temp faster.

You should be getting above 30 mpg easy with that car. If its still under warranty I'd consider taking it to the dealer and having them check it out. Not that they will find anything for sure, but it couldn't hurt if its free.