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Hello all,

I just recently purchased an 04 civic hybrid and I'm averaging ~48-50 mpg. Where I live it's really cold right now (in the teens for the days I've been driving) and I was wondering if anyone had any knowledge of how different the mileage is between summer and winter driving.

I'm fairly sure that auto-stop doesn't work if things aren't properly warmed up so that's one downfall. But on my 17 mile commute to school my engine barely reaches operating temp. Also, I know that people are rather frightened of the battery packs dying, and I have my fingers crossed, but would I be correct in saying that the only reason that is a fear is because it's much easier to spread a message of negativity rather than positive? I personally have heard of hybrids going ~300,000 before the battery crapping out.

Also, any tips for driving a hybrid would be helpful as the previous cars I drove were a 94 ranger 4.0 that got 23 mpg and an 91 infiniti g20 that got 33.

Thanks in advance :]

EDIT: Does anybody know the oil capacity for this model? (04 civic hybrid)?
EDIT2: @Right lane cruiser, I have a 5 spd.


EDIT 3: This may seem like a foolish question, so pardon my ignorance, but where on this site is the place to submit mileage logs and where do I get those green signature type things with your mileage and vehicle?

Here's a recent discussion of relevance:
No auto-stop this morning, battery too cold? (http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=36745)

What transmission do you have in your '04?

i have an 05 HCH with a 5 speed, and about 110,000 miles. i live in minnesota. 'nuf said.

my mileage tanks in the winter, especially now since i am only 2.5 miles from my part time job and 6 miles to the barn where i go to ride my horse. after 18 inches of snow, it's now below zero. my MPG stinks.

i can recommend an engine block heater. that at least helps warm it a little on the way to work. also using a radiator block helps, but i didn't get to mine in time. i just use pipe insulation and it fits right into the channels in my grill.

i also have snow tires, though i think that's the least of my problems, since i have done good trips on them. it's the cold and short drives that kills it.

I did average 53.8 the other night, it was around 20 degrees outside with light snow, the trip was 88 miles...I'll take that :-) It was 90% highway.

Last night for the same distance without snow but a temperature of around 13 degrees, I managed 51.4, again, in upstate NY in December, I'll take it.

This is my first winter, and I've noticed maybe 10-15 mpg difference on my local rides since the temperature has dropped the past couple months...am I doing something wrong?

Chris

*my first winter with my HCHII, my previous civic did take a decent hit in the winter as well ;-)