noobie to this hypemiling stuff

Krayzie · #1 03-14-2008, 12:52 AM

I've been creeping around this site for about a week now reading and stuff and thought i should finally make it official and register and say wello

Well i live in Vancouver, BC and 19 and they just came up with some stupid carbon tax thats going to add like 7.5(i think) cents per liter over the next couple of years and gas prices are getting stupid. Someone going to school full time cant really afford to pay for gas. My parents own an Infiniti FX35 its a 3.5L V6 w/ 280hp 270 tq and it flys and also loves to drink premium gas

very fun to drive but i needed my own car so parents bought me a 2007 Honda Civic Sedan(auto) for me and my sister to drive...no im not spoiled, i paid the insurance which was $3200.

So i have a civic and want to get the most out of it. its only got 8000km on it so its still new and the mileage should improve from just more driving around. I just got my first oil change done a couple of days ago so i would think that should help me out. I drive 25KM each ways to school so thats 50km a day and by the time i leave my house all the traffic's been cleared out so i dont have to sit are crawl along. I did the math and converting so its easier to read for you guys...2 tanks ago i got 22MPG when i was just driving normal and my last tank i got 29MPG by not accelerating as hard, not speeding, coasting to lights, etc, but i know i can improve these numbers. i know i probably missed a bunch of info but i usually dont type much

any words of wisdom from you guys would be greatly appreciated

Fluxuated · #2 03-14-2008, 03:09 AM

Hey I'm a brand new n00b myself at this, and got 27MPG during the last tank (My first try at hypermiling) during 2 snowstorms and freezing temperatures. I picked up a Scan Gauge II and so far this tank, I'm getting a 35 - 36MPG tank, and it's getting a bit better each time I drive it, as I'm getting better myself at boosting the rate. Best toy I've bought in a long time, if you can get one, it will help you out A LOT. If not, try the techniques the people on here use, and you'll see a big difference. Pump up the air in the tires, to Max. Sidewall pressure for starters, and pop into neutral when you see that red light up ahead, etc.. for starters.

good luck!

diamondlarry · #3 03-14-2008, 05:12 AM

Welcome to CleanMPG! There are some very good Civic drivers here who can probably offer better advice than I can but it looks like you are on the right track. Airing up the tires to the maximum on the tire's sidewall is one of the cheapest and easiest things to do. Go a few psi at a time to give yourself a chance to get used to the stiffer ride. To add to Fluxuated's suggestions, turn the engine off if you are stopped at a traffic light. I also second the value of getting a Scanguage since the instant feedback is invaluable.

FrJohn · #4 03-14-2008, 07:56 AM

Good morning, Krayzie, and welcome to the forums! Hypermiling is a great hobby, task, and you've certainly got a car that will be able to post some pretty impressive tanks! I'm certain that there are 40 MPG tanks in your future!

Read all the articles, get that Scangauge when you can, and do, most of all, enjoy yourself!

Hope to see you around ...

Pax,

Fr. John

Krayzie · #5 03-15-2008, 04:45 PM

thx for the welcome guys!!

im going to look for my tire pressure gauge later on today and fill up the tires a bit, and just waiting for the next group buy on a scan gauge

jimmyparky · #6 03-16-2008, 08:51 PM

I drive automatic, does cruising in neutral hurt the transmission?

IPlayTrumpets · #7 03-23-2008, 09:20 PM

With a Civic you will soon see 30+ MPG.....make sure you don't accelerate too fast, that burns more gas than you may think. But do try to cruise at a speed that will get you into top gear. With an automatic transmission, that is essential. Those of us w/ manuals can put it in top gear and be sure it is there, but you will have to pay close attention to when your car is shifting to make sure you get there. If you get up to speed and back the gas off around 45 MPH (not sure what your KPH would be) it SHOULD shift into top gear by then. The slowest speed you can manage in the highest gear you can manage will yield the highest mileage. After that, you can start thinking about some of the other techniques you will find here, such as surf or distant drafting, driving without brakes (not to be taken literally - it is a coasting technique), etc.

Krayzie · #8 03-27-2008, 02:06 AM

yea i hope to get 30MPG+ this tank, those were my first tanks and i think im getting the feel for coasting to lights and all that stuff. filled up my tires too. My car goes into top gear at 60km/h = 38mph and my RPM sits at about 1300-1400. Im driving 100% city. Now i just cant wait for it to get warmer so i dont have to wait for my engine to heat up. ill post what i got on this tank in about 2 weeks time!!

fieldy4krn · #9 03-27-2008, 06:47 AM

Hey Krayzie,

I have a 2001 Honda civic Sedan, it's a 4sp auto.

I was getting around 27-29mpg average per tank. Then, a week and a half ago, I got my scangauge, and WOW! My first tank went up to 33.3 MPG! Not bad!!

The SGII is by far the biggest help ever!!!

Best of luck!!!!!

Chris

cavenan · #10 03-27-2008, 10:30 AM

i'm a newbie too. just joined today (slow day at work!).
i drive a 2007 ford escape & currently get 30 mpg which i think is pretty good since it's not a hybrid.
i'm v. interested in a scangauge. sounds like a great tool.
i'm bad about keeping tire inflation where it needs to be. i guess that's my 1st goal-to keep up with that.
i started driving @ 50 in rush hour traffic this a.m. didn't seem to p*ss anyone off, so that's a good thing. :-)