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I recently got 40.67 mpg (326 miles/8.015 gallons) in a new Honda Civic LS. (My previous best had been 35 mpg in a 2001 Chevy Cavalier.) This was my first test after using most of the tank from the dealer. I have a 21 (each way) commute: 2/3 highway, and about 1/3 city, mostly at night.

I kept below 2000 rpm for the most part (1250-1500 @ 35-45 mph; 1500-1750 @ 45-55), except when climbing a hill.

I used the AC only about 15 minutes, one time, and the defroster only a couple of minutes, twice.

I rarely cut the engine at traffic lights, as I drive a lot at night (I do cut them during the day.), and don't want to risk the lights cutting out if I accidentally turn the ignition back too far. A cop might not like that.

I removed extra weight (head rests, floor mats, etc.) for the last 100 miles or so. I have only a spare tire and jack, a battery booster, and registration/insurance. I may begin carrying a paperbag lunch instead of a lunch pail.

Any suggestions or info on the kind of numbers I should be hitting in a 2008 Civic?

I may begin carrying a paperbag lunch instead of a lunch pail.


You know you're a hypermiler if... ;) :D

Congratulations on hitting 40!

I may begin carrying a paperbag lunch instead of a lunch pail.


That won't help you any. Does your lunch pail weigh 100lbs? As well, you would be switching from something renewable vs using paper. Unless you re-use the same paper bag.

According to my calculations, ditching a 1lb lunch pail will improve mpg by approximately 0.01357 mpg. :D

Thanks for calculating the mpg savings of losing 1 pound. :D

Actually, I know that losing such a small amount of weight would not gain a noticeable increase in mpg. That was just a funny idea to decrease weight. (Though I do intend to do it!) Of course, each pound helps.

I didn't choose the handle 'Cheapskater' for nothing. I would, in fact, keep using the paper bag. I currently reuse wax paper and ziploc bags. I have had the same lunch pail for about 20 years. I bought a wrecked Chevy Cavalier with 35,000 miles for $5000. It now has 121,000 miles on it ($1000 in repairs over 5 years). As you can see, I hate to let go of a dollar.:eek:

One could get whimsical about this weight cutting:

1. Lose weight. All hypermilers would have to get down to 10% bodyfat.
2. Shave one's hair and beard/mustache. Every ounce counts!
3. Buy clothing made of lightweight fabric.
4. Replace glasses with contacts.
5. Before driving, be sure to 'empty' one's bowels and bladder.

And we haven't even started to remove the superfluous seats, radio, console, cup holders, etc!

You are a natural born Hypermiler, Cheapskater! :)

I've actually started down the path to hypermiling myself, and the house. We got a WiiFit for the family, and I'm trying like heck to shed 20-30 lbs. It's like having a Sg for your BMI ;).

I've actually started down the path to hypermiling myself, and the house. We got a WiiFit for the family, and I'm trying like heck to shed 20-30 lbs. It's like having a Sg for your BMI ;).

Ever Notice how the "Fit" font for Wii Fit and Honda Fit are identical? Hmmmmm....

http://www.richmazz.com/Misc2/fit-fit.jpg

Next up for the Wii... Honda racing, mayhap? Well, then again, it's hard to brand a font. A bit odd, to be sure though.

Ever Notice how the "Fit" font for Wii Fit and Honda Fit are identical? Hmmmmm....

http://www.richmazz.com/Misc2/fit-fit.jpg

Gasp! Trademark infringement lawsuit opportunity!

Clarification. You removed ALL the headrests? Or just the unused headrests?

If you removed ALL the headrests, with all due respect at least put the driver's headrest back in, and then never ever let a passenger ride in your car.

If you've removed SOME of the headrests, then never carry a passenger in those seats. (And while you are at it, you might as well remove the headrest-less seats.)

-mr. bill

One could get whimsical about this weight cutting:



And we haven't even started to remove the superfluous seats, radio, console, cup holders, etc!

it's been done :)

Next up for the Wii... Honda racing, mayhap? Well, then again, it's hard to brand a font. A bit odd, to be sure though.

I'd play "Hypermile Hero" :D

Heh, I picked up GH:A this weekend... I wonder if we could sell Hypermiler Hero to activision? You'd need a little heater set to about 90, and a little box to sit in, though. Just think of the peripheral deals! It'd need to be rated M (suggestive language from passerby), though, so it couldn't be first party Nintendo.

Haha brilliant! I've already thought the whole thing out.
The 'rock' meter is replaced with an aFCD gauge.
In a battle, instead of a broken string, you hit your opponent with "low PSI" and "Stop Sign"
In order to get to more advanced routes you need to win a battle against the top HMers here.

I recently got 40.67 mpg (326 miles/8.015 gallons) in a new Honda Civic LS. (My previous best had been 35 mpg in a 2001 Chevy Cavalier.) This was my first test after using most of the tank from the dealer. I have a 21 (each way) commute: 2/3 highway, and about 1/3 city, mostly at night.

I kept below 2000 rpm for the most part (1250-1500 @ 35-45 mph; 1500-1750 @ 45-55), except when climbing a hill.

I used the AC only about 15 minutes, one time, and the defroster only a couple of minutes, twice.

I rarely cut the engine at traffic lights, as I drive a lot at night (I do cut them during the day.), and don't want to risk the lights cutting out if I accidentally turn the ignition back too far. A cop might not like that.

I removed extra weight (head rests, floor mats, etc.) for the last 100 miles or so. I have only a spare tire and jack, a battery booster, and registration/insurance. I may begin carrying a paperbag lunch instead of a lunch pail.

Any suggestions or info on the kind of numbers I should be hitting in a 2008 Civic?

Congratulations, but as someone who knows Hondas inside and out (I sell them for a living) I have two pieces of advice. First, your lights work independently of the ignition key, so they will not go out if you Fas. They may dim a bit, but won't go out.

Second, when you removed your headrests, you removed some safety equipment. The front headrests on the Civic are not only there for resting your eyes while you are driving...in fact they are not mere headrests, either. In the Civic, they are an active restraint device that actually moves forward to cradle your head in case you get rear ended. If you want to reduce weight, for gods sake take out the spare, jack and tire tools. You might get stranded but at least you won't be hospitalized or worse.

Thanks for the advice about headrests and ignition. I removed all headrests except the driver's side. I intended to replace the passenger side if I had a passenger (a rare event).

I did not know that the head rests were part of an active restraint system, however. Does removing one disable the entire system?

Glad to see the comment about the headrests, very important safety feature in conjunction with seatbelts and airbags. Ever heard of whiplash? Make sure it is up high enough while you are at it. I read to have the top at at least ear height, preferably a little higher.

Thanks for the advice about headrests and ignition. I removed all headrests except the driver's side. I intended to replace the passenger side if I had a passenger (a rare event).

I did not know that the head rests were part of an active restraint system, however. Does removing one disable the entire system?

It's a mechanical system in each seat back, so I wouldn't think you'd hurt one if you removed the other.