Hi - Honda Fit owner

applemac*fit · #1 02-20-2008, 09:49 PM

Hello!

I have a 2007 Honda Fit. The last two tanks I've started doing basic hypermiling techniques - P&G mainly.

Having meticulously maintained records of my fuel economy for the entire time I've owned the car - I've noticed the fuel economy hasn't improved despite driving slower, less aggressively and staying far away from the VTEC zone. I am still getting 33 MPG.

Here's what I do now:
********************
==> Coast a lot in neutral
==> Shift at MAX 3,000 RPM. On a side note, I believe shifting into a gear that would put the engine BELOW 2,000 RPM would put excessive strain on the engine.

My commute is about 12 miles on the highway. I drive about 70 MPH and the engine is at about 3,000 RPM (The Fit is not geared for fuel economy).

What else can I do to improve my fuel economy? Does a ScanGauge really help out that much all the time - or just while learning to incorporate hypermiling techniques?

Thanks a lot!

Daniel

bomber991 · #2 02-20-2008, 10:26 PM

Do you have your tires inflated up to the max sidewall pressure stated on the side of the tire?

A scangauge is good because it gives you instant feedback. You can drive to work with one method and see what your mpg was, and then you can try a different method the next day and see the difference. Definitely quicker than driving a full tank to find your mpg.

The other thing you could do is not drive 70mph. Try and keep the speeds under 55mph. It's only a 12 mile trip so just leave your house 5 minutes earlier and you should still show up on time where ever you're going.

Right Lane Cruiser · #3 02-21-2008, 01:27 PM

Keeping the engine above 2000RPM is hurting you. You can shift a good bit lower than that and if you refrain from flooring it the engine will be just fine.

I agree with Justin on the high speed stuff as well -- that has got to be just killing your numbers considering the car is a "buzz bomb" at 60mph!

PaleMelanesian · #4 02-21-2008, 02:08 PM

The scangauge helps you learn, and then keeps giving you motivation to keep at it.

I agree about revving that high, both in lower gears and by running that high on the highway. That's killing your fuel economy. In lower gears, just shift sooner. On the highway, your only option is to slow down, because of the gearing. I rarely touch 2,200 rpm, much less 3,000.

(5th gear at 30mph - If you don't stomp on the gas, it doesn't count as lugging, does it?

)

applemac*fit · #5 02-21-2008, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bomber991

Do you have your tires inflated up to the max sidewall pressure stated on the side of the tire?

No - I keep them at 40 PSI. I'm certain the sidewall says I can go higher. I'll bump that up.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bomber991

The other thing you could do is not drive 70mph. Try and keep the speeds under 55mph. It's only a 12 mile trip so just leave your house 5 minutes earlier and you should still show up on time where ever you're going.

Makes perfect mathematical sense to drop down to 55 MPH....

12 miles takes....
13 Minutes @ 55 MPH
10.25 Minutes @ 70 MPH

That's not a huge difference. In fact, I park in the back of the parking lot so no one dings my doors - which takes me an extra few minutes to walk to work. If I was really worried about 2 minutes I could always park closer. It's not worth it.

The only way the speed could really make a difference is on a long trip. For instance - last year I made a 450-mile each way trip 5 times. Driving 80 MPH vs 65 MPH (the flow of traffic is 80, the speed limit varies between 65 and 75) - that speed saves 78 minutes.

Thanks for the help!

I'll keep you all updated on what actually helps me.

atlaw4u · #6 02-21-2008, 02:21 PM

Let us know what changes you make and keep us posted on the progress.

Daox · #7 02-21-2008, 02:31 PM

Definitly keep us posted, and welcome to the site!

southerncannuck · #8 02-21-2008, 02:35 PM

My little FIT has an automatic and revs less but there are many things in common. First I would think about slowing down. The FIT has the aerodynamics of a parachute under water. My car nets 38 mpg at a steady 70 mph, ac off. 60 mph nets about 42/43, with 65 right at 40 mpg. Figure that over 12 mile its 10 1/4 minutes at 70 mph, 11 minutes at 65 mph, 12 minutes at 60 mph and 13 minutes at 55 mph. It's not that big of a difference in time. It's also a lot quieter. I don't know if Charleston drivers will be patient with the slow driving. Next the FIT was geared for the fast and furious crowd. It will reward the right foot with surprising speed. The problem with that is that it's fuel delivery is set up to pour gas in the injectors at the slightest provacation. Stay out of the throttle!

Drive the car with as little use of the brakes as posible. It takes some planning, but you will get much better numbers that way. The computer shuts down the fuel delivery when it is coasting in gear.

I recommend that you start a mileage log. For me the fun of driving fast has been replaced by always trying to better the average. I've been driving for a long time and needed a way to distract myself on the boring drive to work. I think that you will find the challenge fun.

You might as well get a scan gauge. It's just a matter of time before you do. It will pay for itself within 15,000 miles.

I run 46 psi in mine with a 51 psi max tire. That has helped.

HCHCIN · #9 02-21-2008, 03:17 PM

Applemac-fit--

I see where you're going with the speed-versus-time calculation on long trips, but look at it this way -- if you slow down, you'll extend your range, possibly enough to avoid a fuel stop. It won't make up your 78 minutes, but maybe 10 for the fuel stop midway. Plus, I find it more pleasant to stay at 55 vs. 70+. Driving almost becomes serene as you no longer have to overtake, watch your mirrors, scan for highway patrol, wait for passing gaps, etc. Not to mention it's far safer at that speed.

Anyway, good luck, and glad to have you here.

applemac*fit · #10 02-21-2008, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by southerncannuck

My car nets 38 mpg at a steady 70 mph, ac off. 60 mph nets about 42/43, with 65 right at 40 mpg.

Thanks for the figures! I'm guessing you have a ScanGauge then. Where in the FIT did you mount the ScanGauge?

Quote:

Originally Posted by southerncannuck

You might as well get a scan gauge. It's just a matter of time before you do. It will pay for itself within 15,000 miles.

I've gotta talk the wife into it. I just talked her into buying Rosetta Stone German ($500)

ouch. We're both wanting to learn German.

Quote:

Originally Posted by southerncannuck

I run 46 psi in mine with a 51 psi max tire. That has helped.

How much did the increased pressure help, MPG wise?

Thanks a lot everyone!