Topic: Fuel Consumption Problems

[Keith_moon]

Hey guys,

It's been awhile since i've posted anything. But it appears I have a slight problem with my car. The fuel consumption has been quite poor on the highway. Driving from Barrie to home I only got 540 Km's on 40L of fuel which is 7.4 Litres per 100km. Honda claims a rate of around 5.7 to 6.1 depending on driving conditions. During my entire trip home on the 401 I had the cruise set to 120 and never went above this. I had no heat or air conditioning on and tire pressure was set accordingly. This is quite troublesome to me, do you think I should take it in to to the dealer or do you have any ideas?

Regards

[airey]

you don't have anything to worry about.

my car runs 12.2 L/100km last time i check~
(vs 9.1 on highway)

they always published to good a number for fuel consumptions~  

So long your tire pressure is above recommended,
then you have nothing to worry about.

(Message edited by Airey on November 13, 2004)

[Sterling]

Go slower. I'm sure Honda (or whoever) did to get the best numbers they could. Nobody makes mileage claims based on going 120.

[ovr50]

I would agree that it's just your speed, Keith, that's still darn good mileage tho.

[Bodin]

definatly your speed... by reducing your speed by 10kph-15kph you can reduce gas consumption by 10%

[Driver]

Keith, no problem with you Honda.  All cars have a sweet spot speed where fuel consumption is the most efficient in relation to distance travelled.  On most cars, this would fall anywhere between 80-100 kph.  It's not fast enough for the 400 series highways though so just think of it this way: You spend a little more on gas but you get there faster compared to running on sweetspot speed

[Mdxtasy]

I think there is something wrong.  My 2001 EL on highways would get about 6.5L/100KM regularly and consistently.  I did 120kph and passed at 130kph and still got better mileage than that.  I got about 7.5-8L/100KM in the city with that car.  Is the aligment OK?  Air filter dirty?  

[quadzilla]

I also think there may be something wrong.  Go with the above ideas to check tire pressure and the air filter.  Maybe it was just a bad tank of gas or a cold day?  I can get EPA or better while driving 120kph in my P5 quite regularly so you should be able to do it with your Honda.  

[Craig]

Sounds fine to me.  It's the 2004 Civic Si in your sig, right?  Probably still new.  Plus, cold weather adversely affect mileage.  You'll notice better mileage in the spring, when it's warmer and she's broken in.

[HeliDriver]

Maybe you were driving into a strong headwind on that particular trip. I wouldn't get too concerned unless you notice a difference over at least a couple of tankfuls.

[ericthejet]

Was that 120kph in 4th gear or 120kph in 5th gear?  Just kidding as I too have a civic.  Tire press. and the air filter are good ones to check.  Set tires to factory spec.  I travel to the US all the time and I notice a diff in fuel consumption based on RPM's.  My car turns almost 800rpm more at 120/100 so there's the math for ya.  It is small qtys. though.  Headwind, six people in the car, hood up, pulling the cotote's anvil will all reduce the fuel economy. Ha.

[Black Hatch]

Your car isnt broken in yet.

I have a fuel consumption problem with the 6 too; but i am not worried.. yet.

[Mdxtasy]

I think Keith has had this car for close to a year.  Well past the break in period.

[onearmed]

They say every 10km/h over 100km/h reduces fuel consumption by 10%.  SO if you were doing 120 then that is 20% worse fuel consumption.  

That would mean you could do about 6L/100km.h if you did 100km/h on the dot.

[maritime_storm]

Fall & Winter temps tend to knock anywhere from 5 - 10 MPG off your summer mileage too. Cold air is denser requiring more fuel to burn properly, denser air offers more resistance to the cars forward movement, cold parts & lubricants don't move as easy, winter grade fuels vaporize at lower temperatures and burn with less energy, etc. What your noticing sounds normal to me. My ION is noticably thirstier now then was in the summer, it has a new air filter & fresh winter tires at the proper pressure, and after 20,00kms the ECOTEC is finally broke in. Winter fuel mileage sucks but their is nothing we can do about it.