How to increase mileage in your Hybrid.

[QthePirate]

Almost every discussion in the hybrid category has to do with MPG and ways to increase, I would like to consolidate all of that into one thread.

My history with hybrid cars began with a 2002 Prius I bought used under a salvage title. I was thrilled with the idea of traveling as fast as the other cars on the road and only have to fill up my tank every 2-3 weeks. Getting 43 - 45 MPG was great, and the battery never failed, even though I had 120k+ miles on it.

When I moved to La Jolla from downtown San Diego my commute changed to 18 miles, and was completely uphill on the way home. On this particular stretch of highway (Interstate 5), I must drive 80+ mph in order to safely not get creamed by traffic (and I would still be one of the slower drivers). This in combination of my uphill commute, my MPG dropped 5.0. Over a 10 gallon tank, this is about 50 miles off the length of my tank.

I had a major repair that needed to be done on this car, and it cost me $850, so I decided to buy the Civic Hybrid.

Now, when it comes to driving a hybrid car, people have come over from normal gas engines thinking that they can drive normally. Sadly, this is not the case.

GoHuskies: People just want a car that gets 40+ driving it like an a*shole. And the Prius can deliver that. The Civic/Insight can't.

This is true, but you can still pull off 80 mph in a Civic Hybrid (uphill) and not lose 1/10th of an MPG.

From my experience, these strategies can help keep your MPG up:

1) For those who are not used to driving a hybrid car, try using the cruise control at a reasonable speed (about 5-10+ speed limit, varies on your traffic) when going along level roads. The computer can properly estimate the amount of gas and electric power to keep a good MPG. This helps because people are not used to keeping their foot still on the gas pedal and allows the computer to adjust the hybrid system.

2) Try skating your gas pedal. Bring your car up to speed, then only apply enough gas to keep yourself at that speed. Skating refers to the way that a skater (ice or roller) moves his foot off the ground, then back to push himself forward. So in relation to your gas pedal, apply gas, then let off, apply, then let off. This is a very slight push on the pedal, if you are a skater you probably have a better touch for this than others. By barely even revving the engine, this can help your gas mileage immensely.

3) It helps to watch the RPM gauge as well, lower the RPMs, lower the gas usage (obviously).

4) This may be an obvious statement but people don't think about it (and someone has asked before). When going down hill ONLY USE ENOUGH PEDAL TO MAINTAIN SPEED! People feel the need to keep their foot pushing down on the accelerator when going down hill, causing an increase of speed, and causing them to use their brakes when going too fast for their likings. If you think about it, whenever you use the brakes for something other than red lights and stop signs, you used too much gas, so you are slowing down. By only applying enough gas to keep yourself at speed, you don't waste as much (This also can be said for #2).

There are also other items that have been suggested on the 8th forums, such as:
1) A K&N drop in airfilter
2) Different tires that reduce rolling resistance
3) Warm air intakes
4) Lower the car (I prefer to be able to go over speed bumps comfortably though)
And numerous others.

Things such as tire pressure, oil, and the such do affect MPG but need not be discussed because these should be done as normal maintenance if you are a good car owner.

~QthePirate

[GoHuskies]

Only issue with tires is the stock Dunlop/Insignia tires are already pretty near top of the class for LRR. Tires that offer improved fuel economy seem to all run higher in cost.

From tirerack:
Stock Dunlop SP - $52
Stock Insignia SE - $66
Goodyear Fuel Max - $76
Michelin Green X - $99

All assuming 15 inch direct replacements.

[QthePirate]

Anything with more fuel efficiency costs more, it's either due to technology, or they figure you're ok with it since you're saving money elsewhere.

But it's the same thing with health food and junk food. Health food is always more expensive but people go for the quick easy cheap way out.

~Q

[DanLexani]

all are great points. just wanted to emphasize the cruise control. i'm even try using it on the streets now as much as i can. i think its the biggest bang for the buck as far as getting your MPG's.

[packratko]

Originally Posted by GoHuskies

From tirerack:
Stock Dunlop SP - $52
Stock Insignia SE - $66
Goodyear Fuel Max - $76
Michelin Green X - $99

All assuming 15 inch direct replacements.

coming from an s2k. those prices are a steal... I dont think those prices are expensive at all.

Q - great write up.

now has anyone here ever tried to buy those tornado fuelsavers fins that go in the intake?

Btw do intakes void warranty on hybrids? or not since its not a main component ...?

[adamway]

Do this to increase MPG

[packratko]

wahaha im just happy the way my car is. but i just hate it over hills especially around anaheim hills or trabuco canyon area..

[Chipster]

Anyone considering tires, look into those Goodyears.. I just went from ~30 mpg in the cold ~37-40 mpg (seriously!) with the new Fuel Maxs!

See if you can find a lower price online, I brought the price from tirerack and the Goodyear guy matched it for me!

[QthePirate]

Originally Posted by Chipster

Anyone considering tires, look into those Goodyears.. I just went from ~30 mpg in the cold ~37-40 mpg (seriously!) with the new Fuel Maxs!

See if you can find a lower price online, I brought the price from tirerack and the Goodyear guy matched it for me!

Thanks for the advice chipster! I will definitely hop on that.

[psyshack]

Don't replace the tires unless they are worn out!

Do Not put a K&N anything filter in it!

Do a simple WAI, grade school stuff!

Do not spend endless amounts of time warming it up! Or install a block heater if you are Nordic Joe.

Run quality 0-20 oil and filter!

Get the tire psi UP. DO NOT RUN HONDA'S PSI! You bought a Civic. Yes it's the Lux Boat Civic in many ways. But It Is Not A Town Car. Get over it! You are never going to make a HCHII handle like a freaking Si.

Don't ride around with a ton of crap in the trunk. If your not going to play golf today. Don't cart the bag around.

Use climate control wise. If you have no reason to run around with defrost on. DON'T! And take it easy on the A/C. Use a sun shield if need be.

AND MOST IMPORTANT!!!!
Use the brain god gave you. Fine tune the human bus between the eyes, brain, soul and foot! It just piss's the wife off I can drive around our little town in the HCHII ( small town America ) and get 90 mpg out of the car driving the speed limits and using nothing but the cars talents and my own. And not be a extreme hypermiler. <<<< Which I can do,,, in spades! She gets 35 mpg. It's all in the throttle. The car is way smarter than the ave. over educated human.

[GoHuskies]

You let your wife drive again?

[Tydog07]

Originally Posted by psyshack

Don't replace the tires unless they are worn out!

Do Not put a K&N anything filter in it!

Do a simple WAI, grade school stuff!

Do not spend endless amounts of time warming it up! Or install a block heater if you are Nordic Joe.

Run quality 0-20 oil and filter!

Get the tire psi UP. DO NOT RUN HONDA'S PSI! You bought a Civic. Yes it's the Lux Boat Civic in many ways. But It Is Not A Town Car. Get over it! You are never going to make a HCHII handle like a freaking Si.

Don't ride around with a ton of crap in the trunk. If your not going to play golf today. Don't cart the bag around.

Use climate control wise. If you have no reason to run around with defrost on. DON'T! And take it easy on the A/C. Use a sun shield if need be.

AND MOST IMPORTANT!!!!
Use the brain god gave you. Fine tune the human bus between the eyes, brain, soul and foot! It just piss's the wife off I can drive around our little town in the HCHII ( small town America ) and get 90 mpg out of the car driving the speed limits and using nothing but the cars talents and my own. And not be a extreme hypermiler. <<<< Which I can do,,, in spades! She gets 35 mpg. It's all in the throttle. The car is way smarter than the ave. over educated human.

What PSI do you run and what is a WAI and why is a K&N Drop-In Filter bad?

[SoldMySRT8ForAHybrid]

what is a warm air intake?