2010 civic mpg

[arthur01]

Hey guys,

I've had my 2010 Civic LX since July 2010, bought it new. I just hit 20,000 miles on it a few days ago.

Ever since day 1, I've been managing about 22/23 miles per gallon, which is pretty low considering what others on the board are getting.
I do not drive her hard, just average driving, and 50% highway 50% city.

I manage about 270 miles per fill-up, so 270 miles/12 gallons = about 23 mpg.

I have never had a check engine light, replaced the cabin and air filters in the summer, and I go to the dealership to get my oil changed.

What could contribute to this poor mpg? I see people with older models and some hit 30 mpg, what are some factors that can be affecting my mpg?

Thanks!

[TiRex]

i get better than that in my Si, with spirited driving. are you manual or auto? do you use cruise on the highway?
when is the last time you checked your tire pressures? at what rpm do you shift?

[arthur01]

it is auto, i don't use cruise control on the highway, and haven't checked tire pressure in a while, i'll check it today

[TiRex]

yea check tire pressure, that helps quite a bit. i like to keep mine around 32-34. also, whenever possible on the highway, use cruisecontrol. it used to be in older cars, you could get better mileage without, but now ours are computer controlled throttle anyway, so might as well let the computer sort it out.

[arthur01]

could there be something bigger that has an effect on mpg than just my tire pressure? there's no check engine light, so i'm wondering what could be causing my mileage to be so poor

[TiRex]

cant think of too many mechanical factors at that low of a mileage, maybe some one else can jump in and suggest some...

all i can think of are environmental (temp, elevation) and driving style factors (quick starts, cruise control, is AC on). for me that's the difference between 21mpg, and 36mpg.

[Chase]

You are doing it wrong... Here is telemetry from my Si with a K24A2 in it.


And here is the one with my CIvic Hybrid


You should be in between the two. Both of these taken on the high way at cruising speed with some distance traveled... Start using your cruise control it helps a LOT.

[arthur01]

wow, those are amazing figures, i'd be happy if i could hit 30 mpg. i really have to look into this, it's bothering me that i have such crappy mpg

[arthur01]

Originally Posted by TiRex

.....

all i can think of are environmental (temp, elevation) and driving style factors (quick starts, cruise control, is AC on).....

do quick starts play a huge factor? i usually wait 30 seconds to let it warm up, then drive, and i take it really easy when driving in the morning (not that i drive like a maniac anyways)

i wonder if this is affecting it

[TiRex]

Originally Posted by arthur01

do quick starts play a huge factor? i usually wait 30 seconds to let it warm up, then drive, and i take it really easy when driving in the morning (not that i drive like a maniac anyways)

i wonder if this is affecting it

by quick start i meant taking off quickly from a stop, like a green light or stop sign.

[bludragon]

Is most of your driving when the engine is warm, or is a bunch of short trips with a mostly cold engine? That makes a big difference.
Also, if you're really doing city, like stopping every block, vs suburb or highway makes a big difference too even if you have some traffic on the highway

[killin]

try draining your tank and add a fuel additive called techron and if you wanted to put 91-93 octane to really clean out the engine. then go back to regular gas and recal your mileage.

[evandonald]

Try just for one tank fill up to drive like a complete grandma on her way to bingo. It will either prove you drive with a lead foot or show that it doesn't make a difference.

[Chase]

Put a can of sea foam in it..

[mis]

check the spark plugs and also the clogged air filter

[Road_Clam]

Originally Posted by arthur01

wow, those are amazing figures, i'd be happy if i could hit 30 mpg. i really have to look into this, it's bothering me that i have such crappy mpg

There's so many variables to your final mpg # . I'm averaging about 25-26mpg . This from very easy driving, and staying OUT of the I-VTEC . I also have the common bolt on mods, exhaust, CAI, and the TBS. I also add a bottle of Chevron Techtron fuel system cleaner about every 3rd month. CT keeps your oxy sensors clean, so they function properly and efficiently.

[carpayments4life]

Try burning 2 tanks of 93 octane and then go back to the recommended 87.

If that doesn't help, search for a thread that shows how to burn a half can of sea-foam directly into your intake manifold.

My 06 ex 4dr (56,500 miles) w/auto gets about 26 city & 35 hwy@80 mph and 38mpg at 70mph.

I never jack rabbit start, at a stop sign or red light.
I use the recommended 5w20 oil and 87 octane gas.
I have a K&N air filter, which fits in my OEM air box.

My only trick is to use 2 tanks of hi-test gas (93), from Shell/Texaco twice a year.

[faizan.mumtaz]

i noticed my mpg on my Si to jump up 3-4 mpgs after switching to synthetic motor oil.. its worth a shot but iv heard its bad to go back to regular oil after upgrading. However i believe if you want the engine to last you the longest then you should switch and you can go longer on synthetic oil than you can on regular between oil changes.

[jumanjaq143]

Don't run higher octane, that is just a waste of money.

95% of the time when it is a new car like this, its due to driving tendancies.

Also you're still under warranty no? Ask Honda

[TiRex]

Originally Posted by jumanjaq143

Don't run higher octane, that is just a waste of money.

95% of the time when it is a new car like this, its due to driving tendancies.

Also you're still under warranty no? Ask Honda

yea going to have to agree here, not sure why people are recommending using premium fuel on a car that uses regular...