I have a 2008 Civic Hybrid I was enjoying 41-42 mpg on each tank. My car started to shake when I was going over 65 and to much of my surprise it was so badly aligned I needed a new set of tires after 22k miles! I also have heard that the factory control arms don't allow enough adjustment and I may need to pump $500 in for aftermarket one's. End result, new tires from Big O and the car rides very smooth once again, BUT I am now getting 35-36 mpg..... Anyone have any suggestions? It is also very hot out lately, heat indexes in the 100's, might have a little to do with it, but 6-7 mpg?

 

You didn't get low rolling resistance tires, I've had customers complain of the same problem when they got new tires. This in turn raises the question of if you put hybrid wheels and tires on a non hybrid would you gain 5-7mpg and if so wtf is the point of the hybrid system?!?!

 

If you added bigger wider tires you may have caused more rolling resistance, try adding more air.

Adding air will give you a harder ride, I would check the tires when they are cold and adjust the air up at least 5 lbs at a time until your mpg is back it will screw up you nice ride but you will get more life out of your tires.


I do believe there was a recall on the rear control arms, I would check and see if your car was included.

 

Yeah there was a recall on the control arms, go to your local dealer and see if yours is an effected model.

 

An update yes it was the tires BIG O decided to install their touring model on my car and I guess has no idea that you need to put special tires on a Hybrid model??? After consulting with the dealer and Tirerack.com where my dealer buys their tires I put on Continental Ecoplus model tire. I was getting 41-42 mpg before changing tires and 35-36 the last 1,000 miles so hope I get my mpg back.