Honda Civic Hybrid, Manual

Page: 199 / 333

Always maintain your vehicle
according to the maintenance
schedule. See
(see page
).
an underinflated tyre
causes more ‘‘rolling resistance,’’
which uses more fuel.
Always drive in the highest gear
possible.
The build-up of snow or mud on
your vehicle’s underside adds
weight and rolling resistance.
Frequent cleaning helps your fuel
mileage and reduces the chance of
corrosion.
Drive moderately. Rapid
acceleration, abrupt cornering,
and hard braking use more fuel.
Engine oil also affects fuel
economy. The fuel efficient, low-
viscosity 0W-20 oil recommended
for your Civic Hybrid is
formulated to help the engine use
less fuel. This oil is available at
your dealer.
You may find that your Civic
Hybrid’s unique combination of an
engine and an electric motor has
driving characteristics that are
somewhat different from what you
are used to.
Try to maintain a constant speed.
Every time you slow down and
speed up, your vehicle uses extra
fuel. Use the cruise control (on
some types) when appropriate.
Wind resistance causes vehicles to
use more fuel at higher speeds.
Driving at moderate speeds on the
motorway also reduces wind
resistance and conserves fuel.
The current fuel mileage display
allows you to monitor your fuel
mileage and adjust your driving
habits to save fuel.
Combine several short trips into
one.
The air conditioning puts an extra
load on the engine which makes it
use more fuel. Use the fresh-air
ventilation when possible.
You may notice that using the A/C
causes a greater drop in fuel
economy than you are used to in
other vehicles. Although the amount
of extra fuel used by the A/C load on
the engine is no greater than other
vehicles, it is more noticeable
because of your Civic Hybrid’s
excellent fuel mileage. Using the
A/C in hot weather may result in
fuel economy that is lower than
expected.
222
For example,
Improving Fuel Economy
Owner’s
Maintenance Checks
Bef ore Driving
Fuel Economy
194
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