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Not to sound redundant but: Hello, I'm new here!

I live in the midwest (Iowa) and purchased a 2007 Honda Civic Hybrid in March. My wife and I both love the car and the fuel economy that we get, plus the environmentally friendly side of it.

I try my hardest to achieve the best MPG I can and I've been able to squeeze about 520 miles out of one tank of gas. Now that the weather is turning colder it's getting a bit harder, but I'm hoping I can still keep it around 45 MPG or so.

Anyway, glad to be here and I hope to learn a lot from everyone else here!

Welcome to cleanmpg!! I'm sure you'll find with practice your previous best will rapidly be beaten time and time again!

hi, adam, and welcome. i am slightly north of you in minnesota (there are several of us up here), and know what you mean about the colder weather.

there's a column on the right about hypermiling techniques that should help, and somethings you can do for winter to help with the hit.

i had an engine block heater installed recently (cost about $125) which warms the car up considerably faster, which is important in cold weather. i also put some insulation in the front for a grille block. here's kind of what it looks like (thanks to msantos, it's his photo).

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/522/HCH2_FrontGrilleBlock.jpg

also, you can slightly overinflate the tires, and drive more slowly. depending on where you live and your commute, that may be hard, but after you get used to it, driving slower is a very relaxing alternative to the madness.

i am sure you will find other tips as you read.......again, welcome :)

Thanks for the warm welcomes. I have checked out the hypermiling stuff and I already do a lot of that stuff (coasting, etc.). With the weather turning colder I have adjusted my drive to work to contain less interstate driving. I basically pull off the interstate a few exits early and take an alternate route that is the same length but consists of a lot of straight shoots with no lights and 30-35MPH the entire time. I have seen an increase in FE of about .5 MPG over the two days I've been taking this new route. I also don't exceed 55MPH while on the interstate (speed limit is 55 and 60 in some spots).