amirh

Hey guys,
I live in Michigan, and, as you know, it happens to be very cold here . I drive about 1.5 miles to go to school and 1.5 to get back home each day. I usually get about 20-22 MPG. I myself have thought this is pretty normal, because the distance I drive is small and it has 4 - 5 stop signs and also because of the weather. Do you think something is wrong?

Thanks,
Amir

dk miller

I think your MPG is normal considering your driving routine. You have a larger problem than MPG in the future if you don't take longer drives at least once a week.

Those short drives do not allow the motor to reach normal operating temperature so the engine management computer keeps it in open loop operation all the time with fuel mixture set very rich. Over time, this will produce water and fuel contamination of your crankcase oil. The water comes from condensation that is not boiled off. The fuel from low temperature fuel enrichment which also is not allowed to boil off. This will increase the rate of mechanical wear enormously.

If you never warm things up for a sustained 30 minutes or so your oil will resemble a milk shake. I had to rebuild a friends motor once for this very reason.

amirh

Thanks for your detailed answer. It seems that I should drive my car at least once a week for like 30 miles on highway. Is there anything else that I should do during my winter driving? Should I leave my car running idle to warm up before moving it when the car is cold(in the mornings)?

Thanks
Amir

kero

The type of driving you do as you mentioned normall yeilds lower gas mileage. Stop and go is the worst for good gas mileage.

Also, it is a very good idea to get your car on the highway if you only do the type of driving you do. Get her up to highway speed for a decent amount of time!!

plastics

Just came back from a great trip with the new 07 Civic EX AT Sedan black.
twistes--- I got 31 mpg
75mph freeway-- I got 37 mpg

that's pretty good, what do others get?

Plastics

2002civicLX2002

i was told that in the winter you should always let your engine warm up to normal operating temps, on my 02 it takes about 10 min no reason to not do it, then the inside is nice and warm to.