Honda Civic (2001 - 2005) Coupe / Sedan / Hybrid (Includes Acura EL)

Low MPG

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Old Nov 26, 2018 | 01:01 PM
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Zigory's Avatar
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Default Low MPG

I've recorded about 24 mpg my last two fill ups, I've been using the AC a lot since my fans aren't working again and do a lot of delivering/idling in the city. Is my mpg too low or expected for how I've been driving?
I'm planning on changing the timing belt soon, what else should I check?
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Old Nov 26, 2018 | 01:04 PM
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Default Re: Low MPG

Originally Posted by Zigory
I've recorded about 24 mpg my last two fill ups, I've been using the AC a lot since my fans aren't working again and do a lot of delivering/idling in the city. Is my mpg too low or expected for how I've been driving?
I'm planning on changing the timing belt soon, what else should I check?
No way to tell, even a Civic, if driven in heavy enough traffic, can return fuel economy down in the single digits.
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Old Nov 27, 2018 | 04:54 AM
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Default Re: Low MPG

Use Top Tier fuel stations. Winter fuel will see a drop in MPG. Have a clean air filter. Pump up tires to at least 32PSI (I go 34 in winter and 36 in summer). Timing belt service due every 7 years or 105K miles regardless - don't put off.
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Old Nov 27, 2018 | 05:13 AM
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Default Re: Low MPG

Originally Posted by NDNV
Use Top Tier fuel stations. Winter fuel will see a drop in MPG. Have a clean air filter. Pump up tires to at least 32PSI (I go 34 in winter and 36 in summer). Timing belt service due every 7 years or 105K miles regardless - don't put off.
One quick modification to your comments, a clean air filter will in no way help improve fuel economy; that and I would argue Top Tier fuel is more marketing hype than any tangible benefit, fuel economy related or otherwise.
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Old Nov 28, 2018 | 08:57 AM
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Default Re: Low MPG

Yes, I would agree with that modification that a clean air filter does not produce better fuel efficiency (in fuel injected engines anyway). A clean air filter should produce better performance/acceleration though.
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Old Nov 28, 2018 | 09:06 AM
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Default Re: Low MPG

Originally Posted by NDNV
Yes, I would agree with that modification that a clean air filter does not produce better fuel efficiency (in fuel injected engines anyway). A clean air filter should produce better performance/acceleration though.
Agreed; although, not as much as you might think.
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Old Feb 25, 2019 | 05:43 PM
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Default Re: Low MPG

Originally Posted by shipo
One quick modification to your comments, a clean air filter will in no way help improve fuel economy; that and I would argue Top Tier fuel is more marketing hype than any tangible benefit, fuel economy related or otherwise.
i agree dont use anything above 87 these years hondas even in the manual call for low octane fuel
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Old Feb 25, 2019 | 07:31 PM
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Default Re: Low MPG

Thanks for the replies, I've replaced the timing belt water pump and tensioner as well as the fan switch and spark plugs, the mpg is still about the same so im guessing it's the city driving I mainly do. I know most of these shouldn't affect the mpg anyway other than the plugs, maybe. I also only use chevron 87 but I doubt that makes any difference either
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Old Feb 26, 2019 | 01:56 AM
  #9  
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Default Re: Low MPG

Originally Posted by Zigory
Thanks for the replies, I've replaced the timing belt water pump and tensioner as well as the fan switch and spark plugs, the mpg is still about the same so im guessing it's the city driving I mainly do. I know most of these shouldn't affect the mpg anyway other than the plugs, maybe. I also only use chevron 87 but I doubt that makes any difference either
Unless you use the incorrect plugs (i.e. Bosch suck), then plugs will not impact fuel economy.
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Old Apr 1, 2019 | 08:18 AM
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Default Re: Low MPG

After some freeway trips the mileage is around 30-31, so I'm chalking it up to my driving habits.
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