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Hello,

I am new here, been lurking for a few weeks and decided to join. I drive a 2005 Civic LX with 5 speed manual trans. Been averaging between 35 to 40 MPG with probably 30% city and 70% highway miles. Best I've done so far was 44 MPG on one tank 2 years ago, most of that tank was at or below 45 MPH. I am thinking about getting a scan gauge, and considering when it comes time to replace this car going with the HCH.

I have seen some of the mileages reported on the site and am amazed at what some of the people are achieving.

I have noted at fillup times at the gas station significant variation as far as how much gas I can get in my tank (due in part to how fast the pump pumps). I also have noted variations in different pumps. I had one fill up where, when my gauge still indicated 3 bars, the pump indicated that I took 14 gals, and visually, the car was not filled to the neck. The manual says the tank holds 13.2 gal, the most I ever put in prior or since has been 13 gal when the gauge indicated empty. I called the number listed on the pump to report the inaccuracy and after the agency that investigates did their thing, I received a call that they did not feel there was a problem and that it probably was an acceptable error. I wasn't so sure and don't fill up there anymore.

Anyway, all of this is leadup to my question. What techniques or standardization practices do you recommend in attempt to keep things accurate in regards to refueling and calculating MPG. My wife thinks I am nuts when I complain that the pump is a fast pump and I can't get the tank full. My point is how do know when the tank is full, and how can the MPG calcs be accurate if you don't know. She says just to average over time and it all works out. I guess I am looking for something a little more scientific and accurate. Or maybe I should just start on prozac or something:D?

Anyway, I like the site and am seriously considering a scan gauge. I would appreciate any comments on the above thoughts

JimT

I go to the first click. Some people will pump at a constant rate, like 1/4 gallon/second so that the speed of the pump is not as much of an issue. The best way to be accurate is to simply use the same pump every time. I don't consider it to be a big issue, since the difference will be made up in the next tank, so it all averages out. If you drive the tank until it's low, the error % is less.

Be sure to check out the article and link in my signature, they'll help you out a lot.

Kirk

Hi Jim:

___Welcome to CleanMPG!

___You have one heck of a vehicle and there are quite a few mpg’s still sitting on the table to find before you trade her in. Follow the article links and that will get you started. Press up those tires, next change goes in some synthetic and definitely get a ScanGauge. From there, it is all technique and you are going to be shocked once you find out what is available.

___Second order of business, I have read your Civics tank cap is ~ 16.1 gallons topped off. First clicks are great but even at the same station and same pump, it depends on how many other at the station are filling at the same time.

___Good Luck

___Wayne

Lots of things can create a variation in how much gas you put it. As was said the same pump every time will give you less variability. But simple things like was someone sitting in the car when you got the fill up and where they were sitting cam make a difference. How flat the ground is under the car when the fill up was made can make a difference.

But in the end your wife is correct, it will all average out. One stat I track is my ten tank average gas mileage. I figure that averages the differences when I fill up, and also average out the kind of driving I do - city/highway/trips to work and the like.

Kirk, Wayne, and fixed,

Thanks for the replies and input. I ordered the SG and look forward to using it. I am checking out the links, and appreciate the suggestions.

Thanks,
JimT