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Morgan Groves 11-27-2005 04:58 PM

Honda Civic Hybrid
 
I bought a 2004 Civic Hybrid about a year and a half ago, and have been VERY
happy with it. At this point, my average mileage, according to the panel
display is 42 mpg. I use it mostly in town and avoid freeways whenever
possible. Highway mileage is a bit better if I keep my speed at 65, but
drops pretty precipitately at speeds over 70.

I'm just wondering how this compares with the experience of other Civic
Hybrid owners.



muzz 11-27-2005 05:15 PM

Re: Honda Civic Hybrid
 
After 2 years, I'm getting 33 summer 34 winter - very unhappy - dealer
checked, nothing showed up. 85 percent town driving.





On Sun, 27 Nov 2005 21:58:13 GMT, "Morgan Groves" <m_groves@yahoo.com>
wrote:

>I bought a 2004 Civic Hybrid about a year and a half ago, and have been VERY
>happy with it. At this point, my average mileage, according to the panel
>display is 42 mpg. I use it mostly in town and avoid freeways whenever
>possible. Highway mileage is a bit better if I keep my speed at 65, but
>drops pretty precipitately at speeds over 70.
>
>I'm just wondering how this compares with the experience of other Civic
>Hybrid owners.
>



Elmo P. Shagnasty 11-27-2005 06:09 PM

Re: Honda Civic Hybrid
 
In article <bubko1h8q50e0m3qkpglm6hptmj81tohcm@4ax.com>,
muzz <jmuzz@charter.net> wrote:

> After 2 years, I'm getting 33 summer 34 winter - very unhappy - dealer
> checked, nothing showed up. 85 percent town driving.


Wow, you can get better than that with an 06 non-hybrid Civic.

Shoot, I can get that with a 95 Corolla...


Spazpop2000 11-27-2005 08:32 PM

Re: Honda Civic Hybrid
 
Check out this website:

http://www.greenhybrid.com/compare/mileage/

It allows hybrid owners to submit their actual mileage results, and
pools that information to provide "typical" results for each model.
Granted, different people have different driving needs (ratio of city
vs. highway miles) as well as driving styles (leadfoot vs. "sipper"),
but it's a start...

On Sun, 27 Nov 2005 21:58:13 GMT, "Morgan Groves" <m_groves@yahoo.com>
wrote:

>I bought a 2004 Civic Hybrid about a year and a half ago, and have been VERY
>happy with it. At this point, my average mileage, according to the panel
>display is 42 mpg. I use it mostly in town and avoid freeways whenever
>possible. Highway mileage is a bit better if I keep my speed at 65, but
>drops pretty precipitately at speeds over 70.
>
>I'm just wondering how this compares with the experience of other Civic
>Hybrid owners.
>


Spazpop2000 11-27-2005 08:57 PM

Re: Honda Civic Hybrid
 
Oh yeah- our 2004 Civic Hybrid (automatic) is averaging 42.7 mpg over
25,000 miles with a mix of about 50% city driving and 50% rural
road/hwy driving (hwy speeds usually around 70-80 mph)...

We're pretty happy with our car, although the A/C cutting off with the
engine at stops can be a little annoying on hot days (I believe the
2006 model has an electric compressor that runs the A/C even when the
car stops at intersections)

We are seriously considering an '06 Accord Hybrid as a second car for
our household, although we would be more inclined if they had mated
the IMA with the 4-cylinder (even better fuel economy, and the 4-cyl
does a pretty good job at moving the car on its own).

Cheers!

On Sun, 27 Nov 2005 21:58:13 GMT, "Morgan Groves" <m_groves@yahoo.com>
wrote:

>I bought a 2004 Civic Hybrid about a year and a half ago, and have been VERY
>happy with it. At this point, my average mileage, according to the panel
>display is 42 mpg. I use it mostly in town and avoid freeways whenever
>possible. Highway mileage is a bit better if I keep my speed at 65, but
>drops pretty precipitately at speeds over 70.
>
>I'm just wondering how this compares with the experience of other Civic
>Hybrid owners.
>


John Horner 11-27-2005 10:05 PM

Re: Honda Civic Hybrid
 
muzz wrote:
> After 2 years, I'm getting 33 summer 34 winter - very unhappy - dealer
> checked, nothing showed up. 85 percent town driving.
>
>



Rechargeable batteries take less and less of a charge as they accumulate
cycles. I very much wonder if this effect results in dropping fuel
economy over time with hybrids.

John

Gary Gorbet 11-28-2005 07:38 AM

Re: Honda Civic Hybrid
 
In article <VZpif.14146$Au1.6871@tornado.texas.rr.com>, Morgan Groves
<m_groves@yahoo.com> wrote:

> I bought a 2004 Civic Hybrid about a year and a half ago, and have been VERY
> happy with it. At this point, my average mileage, according to the panel
> display is 42 mpg. I use it mostly in town and avoid freeways whenever
> possible. Highway mileage is a bit better if I keep my speed at 65, but
> drops pretty precipitately at speeds over 70.
>
> I'm just wondering how this compares with the experience of other Civic
> Hybrid owners.
>
>

My experience after two years with a 2003 Civic Hybrid is about the
same as yours. By the panel I usually get 42 mpg. By actual calculation
of miles I've gone divided by gallons used, I'm getting right at 40
mpg. The vast majority of my miles are on city streets going to and
from work. That's what I got the hybrid for - an economical work car.
So I'm pretty happy averaging 40 mpg in very demanding stop and go
conditions.

Like you, I find I get very good mileage when going at between 50 and
65 miles an hour. And it drops pretty quickly at speeds over 70.

flobert 11-28-2005 09:28 AM

Re: Honda Civic Hybrid
 
On Mon, 28 Nov 2005 03:05:43 GMT, John Horner <jthorner@yahoo.com>
wrote:

>muzz wrote:
>> After 2 years, I'm getting 33 summer 34 winter - very unhappy - dealer
>> checked, nothing showed up. 85 percent town driving.
>>
>>

>
>
>Rechargeable batteries take less and less of a charge as they accumulate
>cycles. I very much wonder if this effect results in dropping fuel
>economy over time with hybrids.


not true, certainly not anywhere near true enough to be used as a
blanket statement. In many cases, its as much straight time as cycles,
and in other battery types, its mainly dependant on the type of cycle.

>
>John



D.D. Pallmer 11-28-2005 05:06 PM

Re: Honda Civic Hybrid
 
How does your (everyone who posted here) mileage compare to mileage of a gas
powered (non-hybrid) Civic?

And how much more does a hybrid cost?



"Gary Gorbet" <ggorbet@houston.rr.com> wrote in message
news:281120050638519526%ggorbet@houston.rr.com...
> In article <VZpif.14146$Au1.6871@tornado.texas.rr.com>, Morgan Groves
> <m_groves@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>> I bought a 2004 Civic Hybrid about a year and a half ago, and have been
>> VERY
>> happy with it. At this point, my average mileage, according to the panel
>> display is 42 mpg. I use it mostly in town and avoid freeways whenever
>> possible. Highway mileage is a bit better if I keep my speed at 65, but
>> drops pretty precipitately at speeds over 70.
>>
>> I'm just wondering how this compares with the experience of other Civic
>> Hybrid owners.
>>
>>

> My experience after two years with a 2003 Civic Hybrid is about the
> same as yours. By the panel I usually get 42 mpg. By actual calculation
> of miles I've gone divided by gallons used, I'm getting right at 40
> mpg. The vast majority of my miles are on city streets going to and
> from work. That's what I got the hybrid for - an economical work car.
> So I'm pretty happy averaging 40 mpg in very demanding stop and go
> conditions.
>
> Like you, I find I get very good mileage when going at between 50 and
> 65 miles an hour. And it drops pretty quickly at speeds over 70.




Rob 11-28-2005 05:45 PM

Re: Honda Civic Hybrid
 
My gas 2002 Civic 5 sp gets 38 to 43 mpg depending of couse on how much more
time I send on highways.


"D.D. Pallmer" <ddpalmer@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:2ZSdncCSBf3H4hbeRVn-iA@comcast.com...
> How does your (everyone who posted here) mileage compare to mileage of a
> gas powered (non-hybrid) Civic?
>
> And how much more does a hybrid cost?
>
>
>
> "Gary Gorbet" <ggorbet@houston.rr.com> wrote in message
> news:281120050638519526%ggorbet@houston.rr.com...
>> In article <VZpif.14146$Au1.6871@tornado.texas.rr.com>, Morgan Groves
>> <m_groves@yahoo.com> wrote:
>>
>>> I bought a 2004 Civic Hybrid about a year and a half ago, and have been
>>> VERY
>>> happy with it. At this point, my average mileage, according to the
>>> panel
>>> display is 42 mpg. I use it mostly in town and avoid freeways whenever
>>> possible. Highway mileage is a bit better if I keep my speed at 65, but
>>> drops pretty precipitately at speeds over 70.
>>>
>>> I'm just wondering how this compares with the experience of other Civic
>>> Hybrid owners.
>>>
>>>

>> My experience after two years with a 2003 Civic Hybrid is about the
>> same as yours. By the panel I usually get 42 mpg. By actual calculation
>> of miles I've gone divided by gallons used, I'm getting right at 40
>> mpg. The vast majority of my miles are on city streets going to and
>> from work. That's what I got the hybrid for - an economical work car.
>> So I'm pretty happy averaging 40 mpg in very demanding stop and go
>> conditions.
>>
>> Like you, I find I get very good mileage when going at between 50 and
>> 65 miles an hour. And it drops pretty quickly at speeds over 70.

>
>




D.D. Pallmer 11-29-2005 07:26 AM

Re: Honda Civic Hybrid
 
Exactly. I don't see the economics of buying a hybrid.

"Rob" <rdbdriver@blomand.net> wrote in message
news:dmg1b0$5ka5$1@news3.infoave.net...
> My gas 2002 Civic 5 sp gets 38 to 43 mpg depending of couse on how much
> more time I send on highways.
>
>
> "D.D. Pallmer" <ddpalmer@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:2ZSdncCSBf3H4hbeRVn-iA@comcast.com...
>> How does your (everyone who posted here) mileage compare to mileage of a
>> gas powered (non-hybrid) Civic?
>>
>> And how much more does a hybrid cost?
>>
>>
>>
>> "Gary Gorbet" <ggorbet@houston.rr.com> wrote in message
>> news:281120050638519526%ggorbet@houston.rr.com...
>>> In article <VZpif.14146$Au1.6871@tornado.texas.rr.com>, Morgan Groves
>>> <m_groves@yahoo.com> wrote:
>>>
>>>> I bought a 2004 Civic Hybrid about a year and a half ago, and have been
>>>> VERY
>>>> happy with it. At this point, my average mileage, according to the
>>>> panel
>>>> display is 42 mpg. I use it mostly in town and avoid freeways whenever
>>>> possible. Highway mileage is a bit better if I keep my speed at 65,
>>>> but
>>>> drops pretty precipitately at speeds over 70.
>>>>
>>>> I'm just wondering how this compares with the experience of other Civic
>>>> Hybrid owners.
>>>>
>>>>
>>> My experience after two years with a 2003 Civic Hybrid is about the
>>> same as yours. By the panel I usually get 42 mpg. By actual calculation
>>> of miles I've gone divided by gallons used, I'm getting right at 40
>>> mpg. The vast majority of my miles are on city streets going to and
>>> from work. That's what I got the hybrid for - an economical work car.
>>> So I'm pretty happy averaging 40 mpg in very demanding stop and go
>>> conditions.
>>>
>>> Like you, I find I get very good mileage when going at between 50 and
>>> 65 miles an hour. And it drops pretty quickly at speeds over 70.

>>
>>

>
>




Morgan Groves 11-29-2005 03:47 PM

Re: Honda Civic Hybrid
 

"D.D. Pallmer" <ddpalmer@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:2ZSdncCSBf3H4hbeRVn-iA@comcast.com...
> How does your (everyone who posted here) mileage compare to mileage of a
> gas powered (non-hybrid) Civic?
>
> And how much more does a hybrid cost?

I didn't buy my Civic Hybrid primarily in cost. I bought to save on gas,
and also because I enjoy innovative technology. No disappointment on either
score.



Elmo P. Shagnasty 11-29-2005 05:59 PM

Re: Honda Civic Hybrid
 
In article <T73jf.25608$%i.19506@tornado.texas.rr.com>,
"Morgan Groves" <m_groves@yahoo.com> wrote:

> I didn't buy my Civic Hybrid primarily in cost. I bought to save on gas,


Why?

So you'll spend MORE for the privilege of using a bit less gas?


D.D. Pallmer 11-29-2005 08:32 PM

Re: Honda Civic Hybrid
 
Ah! The "toy factor"! I admit...that's an answer I can relate to! Enjoy it.

"Morgan Groves" <m_groves@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:T73jf.25608$%i.19506@tornado.texas.rr.com...
>
> "D.D. Pallmer" <ddpalmer@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:2ZSdncCSBf3H4hbeRVn-iA@comcast.com...
>> How does your (everyone who posted here) mileage compare to mileage of a
>> gas powered (non-hybrid) Civic?
>>
>> And how much more does a hybrid cost?

> I didn't buy my Civic Hybrid primarily in cost. I bought to save on gas,
> and also because I enjoy innovative technology. No disappointment on
> either score.
>




Morgan Groves 11-29-2005 11:55 PM

Re: Honda Civic Hybrid
 

"Elmo P. Shagnasty" <elmop@nastydesigns.com> wrote in message
news:elmop-F53009.17595629112005@nntp1.usenetserver.com...
> In article <T73jf.25608$%i.19506@tornado.texas.rr.com>,
> "Morgan Groves" <m_groves@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>> I didn't buy my Civic Hybrid primarily in cost. I bought to save on gas,

>
> Why?
>
> So you'll spend MORE for the privilege of using a bit less gas?


I thought I said the technology fascinates me. It's roughly for the same
reason that I bought a Mazda RX4 about 30 years ago, and a Honda CRX Si in
1990. They're all fun to drive, and I like something different. What's
hard to understand about that?



TWW 11-30-2005 08:10 AM

Re: Honda Civic Hybrid
 

"Spazpop2000" <spaz_pop@bellsouth.com> wrote in message
news:vgoko1hcfeiqt6dlevd7vee4nd2pidamup@4ax.com...
> Oh yeah- our 2004 Civic Hybrid (automatic) is averaging 42.7 mpg over
> 25,000 miles with a mix of about 50% city driving and 50% rural
> road/hwy driving (hwy speeds usually around 70-80 mph)...
>

I get 38-39 on a 03 Civic LX 5 spd with a mix of about 75% highway and 25%
urban driving. Speed 75-80.

> We're pretty happy with our car, although the A/C cutting off with the
> engine at stops can be a little annoying on hot days (I believe the
> 2006 model has an electric compressor that runs the A/C even when the
> car stops at intersections)
>
> We are seriously considering an '06 Accord Hybrid as a second car for
> our household, although we would be more inclined if they had mated
> the IMA with the 4-cylinder (even better fuel economy, and the 4-cyl
> does a pretty good job at moving the car on its own).
>
> Cheers!
>
> On Sun, 27 Nov 2005 21:58:13 GMT, "Morgan Groves" <m_groves@yahoo.com>
> wrote:
>
> >I bought a 2004 Civic Hybrid about a year and a half ago, and have been

VERY
> >happy with it. At this point, my average mileage, according to the panel
> >display is 42 mpg. I use it mostly in town and avoid freeways whenever
> >possible. Highway mileage is a bit better if I keep my speed at 65, but
> >drops pretty precipitately at speeds over 70.
> >
> >I'm just wondering how this compares with the experience of other Civic
> >Hybrid owners.
> >




John Horner 11-30-2005 01:29 PM

Re: Honda Civic Hybrid
 
flobert wrote:
> On Mon, 28 Nov 2005 03:05:43 GMT, John Horner <jthorner@yahoo.com>
> wrote:
>
>
>>muzz wrote:
>>
>>>After 2 years, I'm getting 33 summer 34 winter - very unhappy - dealer
>>>checked, nothing showed up. 85 percent town driving.
>>>
>>>

>>
>>
>>Rechargeable batteries take less and less of a charge as they accumulate
>>cycles. I very much wonder if this effect results in dropping fuel
>>economy over time with hybrids.

>
>
> not true, certainly not anywhere near true enough to be used as a
> blanket statement. In many cases, its as much straight time as cycles,
> and in other battery types, its mainly dependant on the type of cycle.
>
>


Splitting hairs a bit here, aren't you? The point is that rechargeable
batteries become less and less effective as they age and eventually fail
to take a charge at all.

John

Morgan Groves 11-30-2005 03:35 PM

Re: Honda Civic Hybrid
 

"muzz" <jmuzz@charter.net> wrote in message
news:bubko1h8q50e0m3qkpglm6hptmj81tohcm@4ax.com...
> After 2 years, I'm getting 33 summer 34 winter - very unhappy - dealer
> checked, nothing showed up. 85 percent town driving.
>
>
>
>
>
> On Sun, 27 Nov 2005 21:58:13 GMT, "Morgan Groves" <m_groves@yahoo.com>
> wrote:
>
>>I bought a 2004 Civic Hybrid about a year and a half ago, and have been
>>VERY
>>happy with it. At this point, my average mileage, according to the panel
>>display is 42 mpg. I use it mostly in town and avoid freeways whenever
>>possible. Highway mileage is a bit better if I keep my speed at 65, but
>>drops pretty precipitately at speeds over 70.
>>
>>I'm just wondering how this compares with the experience of other Civic
>>Hybrid owners.


I just upped my tire pressure all around from 28 psi to 40psi, and saw an
IMMEDIATE improvement of 5.5 mpg in town driving--from 42 to 46.5 mpg. I
expect to see an even greater improvement at 60 mpg. Max pressure for OEM
tires is 55 psi.

Low air pressure could account for your poor gas mileage.



Elle 11-30-2005 07:31 PM

Re: Honda Civic Hybrid
 
Have you checked around to see if such a high pressure (to
me) is safe?

Maybe it is, but I'd at least google.

Off the top of my head, I would expect the tires to heat up
while driving, and so raise the pressure, perhaps
dangerously close to the design limit.

"Morgan Groves" <m_groves@yahoo.com> wrote
> I just upped my tire pressure all around from 28 psi to

40psi, and saw an
> IMMEDIATE improvement of 5.5 mpg in town driving--from 42

to 46.5 mpg. I
> expect to see an even greater improvement at 60 mpg. Max

pressure for OEM
> tires is 55 psi.
>
> Low air pressure could account for your poor gas mileage.




Elmo P. Shagnasty 11-30-2005 09:16 PM

Re: Honda Civic Hybrid
 
In article <nvrjf.10916$aA2.2572@newsread2.news.atl.earthlink .net>,
"Elle" <honda.lioness@earthlink.net> wrote:

> Have you checked around to see if such a high pressure (to
> me) is safe?
>
> Maybe it is, but I'd at least google.


The very first thing to do is look for the manufacturer's recommended
tire pressures, and start there. 28 sounds awfully low for a hybrid.


Morgan Groves 11-30-2005 11:36 PM

Re: Honda Civic Hybrid
 

"Elle" <honda.lioness@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:nvrjf.10916$aA2.2572@newsread2.news.atl.earth link.net...
> Have you checked around to see if such a high pressure (to
> me) is safe?
>
> Maybe it is, but I'd at least google.
>
> Off the top of my head, I would expect the tires to heat up
> while driving, and so raise the pressure, perhaps
> dangerously close to the design limit.
>
> "Morgan Groves" <m_groves@yahoo.com> wrote
>> I just upped my tire pressure all around from 28 psi to

> 40psi, and saw an
>> IMMEDIATE improvement of 5.5 mpg in town driving--from 42

> to 46.5 mpg. I
>> expect to see an even greater improvement at 60 mpg. Max

> pressure for OEM
>> tires is 55 psi.
>>
>> Low air pressure could account for your poor gas mileage.

>

As I said in my previous post, the maximum air pressure shown on the tire is
55 psi. I'd feel completely safe going to 45 psi. So far, I can't feel any
bad effects in the ride--just a tad stiffer. I'd say it actually rides very
well.

Incidentally, running the tires on my Grand Caravan at 38psi makes for a
better ride than the recommended 30.



High Tech Misfit 11-30-2005 11:56 PM

Re: Honda Civic Hybrid
 
Morgan Groves wrote:

> As I said in my previous post, the maximum air pressure shown on the tire is
> 55 psi. I'd feel completely safe going to 45 psi. So far, I can't feel any
> bad effects in the ride--just a tad stiffer. I'd say it actually rides very
> well.


What does it say on the sticker inside the driver's door jamb?

On my '93 Accord, the recommended pressure specified by Honda on the
sticker is 29psi, and my current all season tires specify a maximum
pressure of 44psi. I usually put 30-32psi in them. But one time I tried
it at about 35psi, and it felt too jittery for my liking. I didn't keep
it like that long enough to see how it affected my gas mileage.

jim beam 12-01-2005 12:30 AM

Re: Honda Civic Hybrid
 
High Tech Misfit wrote:
> Morgan Groves wrote:
>
>
>>As I said in my previous post, the maximum air pressure shown on the tire is
>>55 psi. I'd feel completely safe going to 45 psi. So far, I can't feel any
>>bad effects in the ride--just a tad stiffer. I'd say it actually rides very
>>well.

>
>
> What does it say on the sticker inside the driver's door jamb?
>
> On my '93 Accord, the recommended pressure specified by Honda on the
> sticker is 29psi, and my current all season tires specify a maximum
> pressure of 44psi. I usually put 30-32psi in them. But one time I tried
> it at about 35psi, and it felt too jittery for my liking. I didn't keep
> it like that long enough to see how it affected my gas mileage.


yeah, it kind of amazes me that there are so many "but it says 45 on the
tire" people out there. do they also drive 120 because that's what is
says on their speedo? logic dictates they should.

fact is, honda, who know far more about the dynamics of their vehicles
than i suspect do /any/ of us. not following their advice is going to
have negative results. and /i/ can attest to that from recent
experience. i have an 89 civic dx hatch, and have a set of si tires on
it. what i didn't know, not /owning/ an si or the owners manual, is
that the si tire pressures are lower than the dx's skinnier tires. so,
having now applied the correct pressures i am pleased to report that i
can happily drive a certain freeway on-ramp much faster than before
because i'm not skipping and bumping as much on it's rutted broken
hairpin surface! truly, correct pressures are a good thing.

Elle 12-01-2005 12:35 AM

Re: Honda Civic Hybrid
 
I'm not finding any safety issues per se by inflating to
near that which is printed on the side of the tire. The only
caution is that overinflation may lead to greater wear down
the middle of the tire than on the edges, so tires should be
inspected more often. If wear down the middle is detected,
reduce the pressure.

"Morgan Groves" <m_groves@yahoo.com> wrote
> "Elle" <honda.lioness@earthlink.net> wrote
> > Have you checked around to see if such a high pressure

(to
> > me) is safe?
> >
> > Maybe it is, but I'd at least google.
> >
> > Off the top of my head, I would expect the tires to heat

up
> > while driving, and so raise the pressure, perhaps
> > dangerously close to the design limit.
> >
> > "Morgan Groves" <m_groves@yahoo.com> wrote
> >> I just upped my tire pressure all around from 28 psi to

> > 40psi, and saw an
> >> IMMEDIATE improvement of 5.5 mpg in town driving--from

42
> > to 46.5 mpg. I
> >> expect to see an even greater improvement at 60 mpg.

Max
> > pressure for OEM
> >> tires is 55 psi.
> >>
> >> Low air pressure could account for your poor gas

mileage.
> >

> As I said in my previous post, the maximum air pressure

shown on the tire is
> 55 psi. I'd feel completely safe going to 45 psi. So

far, I can't feel any
> bad effects in the ride--just a tad stiffer. I'd say it

actually rides very
> well.




Michael Pardee 12-01-2005 07:49 AM

Re: Honda Civic Hybrid
 
"High Tech Misfit" <me@privacy.net> wrote in message
news:pan.2005.12.01.04.56.18.887077@hightech.misfi t...
> Morgan Groves wrote:
>
>> As I said in my previous post, the maximum air pressure shown on the tire
>> is
>> 55 psi. I'd feel completely safe going to 45 psi. So far, I can't feel
>> any
>> bad effects in the ride--just a tad stiffer. I'd say it actually rides
>> very
>> well.

>
> What does it say on the sticker inside the driver's door jamb?
>
> On my '93 Accord, the recommended pressure specified by Honda on the
> sticker is 29psi, and my current all season tires specify a maximum
> pressure of 44psi. I usually put 30-32psi in them. But one time I tried
> it at about 35psi, and it felt too jittery for my liking. I didn't keep
> it like that long enough to see how it affected my gas mileage.


This has been quite an issue in the Toyota Prius group in Yahoo. The tires
(at least on the first generation) are max inflation of 50 psi but Toyota
recommends pressures of 33 psi front and rear. At those pressures the tires
show serious underinflation wear. The gurus have pretty much settled on 42
front, 40 rear. The tires still show signs of underinflation wear, but it
isn't as bad.

Dunno about the Civic hybrid, but the Prius is an unusually heavy car for
the tire size, which means it has to have XL (IIRC) load range tires. Those
load ratings are only valid at maximum inflation; there is some arcane
derating system as the tire pressures decrease.

Mike



John Horner 12-03-2005 11:08 AM

Re: Honda Civic Hybrid
 
Michael Pardee wrote:

> This has been quite an issue in the Toyota Prius group in Yahoo. The tires
> (at least on the first generation) are max inflation of 50 psi but Toyota
> recommends pressures of 33 psi front and rear. At those pressures the tires
> show serious underinflation wear. The gurus have pretty much settled on 42
> front, 40 rear. The tires still show signs of underinflation wear, but it
> isn't as bad.
>
> Dunno about the Civic hybrid, but the Prius is an unusually heavy car for
> the tire size, which means it has to have XL (IIRC) load range tires. Those
> load ratings are only valid at maximum inflation; there is some arcane
> derating system as the tire pressures decrease.
>
> Mike
>
>


The Prius uses every trick in the book to increase fuel economy ratings,
including many which have nothing to do with hybrid technology. Few
people realize that narrow, tall tires give better fuel economy than
wide, squat tires. The effect isn't huge, but it is there.

John


Morgan Groves 12-03-2005 03:42 PM

Re: Honda Civic Hybrid
 

"John Horner" <jthorner@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:Cpjkf.4461$wF.607@trnddc08...
> Michael Pardee wrote:
>
>> This has been quite an issue in the Toyota Prius group in Yahoo. The
>> tires (at least on the first generation) are max inflation of 50 psi but
>> Toyota recommends pressures of 33 psi front and rear. At those pressures
>> the tires show serious underinflation wear. The gurus have pretty much
>> settled on 42 front, 40 rear. The tires still show signs of
>> underinflation wear, but it isn't as bad.
>>
>> Dunno about the Civic hybrid, but the Prius is an unusually heavy car for
>> the tire size, which means it has to have XL (IIRC) load range tires.
>> Those load ratings are only valid at maximum inflation; there is some
>> arcane derating system as the tire pressures decrease.
>>
>> Mike

>
> The Prius uses every trick in the book to increase fuel economy ratings,
> including many which have nothing to do with hybrid technology. Few
> people realize that narrow, tall tires give better fuel economy than wide,
> squat tires. The effect isn't huge, but it is there.
>
> John

Tire technology has developed amazingly in recent years. The rolling
resistance of today's tires is way less than it was. I don't know, but I
suspect Honda has done enough homework to have tires with low rolling
resistance as OEM on its cars. I think it's more than the larger contact
patch that affects mileage when tires are under-inflated--a low tire has
MUCH more rolling resistance than a correctly or reasonably over inflated
tire.

At 40-45 psi, the LAST thing I'd worry about is heat buildup: most of the
heat buildup arises from internal resistance in the tire. IIRC, that's
called hysteresis loss



Michael Pardee 12-04-2005 01:04 PM

Re: Honda Civic Hybrid
 
"John Horner" <jthorner@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:Cpjkf.4461$wF.607@trnddc08...
> Michael Pardee wrote:
>
>> This has been quite an issue in the Toyota Prius group in Yahoo. The
>> tires (at least on the first generation) are max inflation of 50 psi but
>> Toyota recommends pressures of 33 psi front and rear. At those pressures
>> the tires show serious underinflation wear. The gurus have pretty much
>> settled on 42 front, 40 rear. The tires still show signs of
>> underinflation wear, but it isn't as bad.
>>
>> Dunno about the Civic hybrid, but the Prius is an unusually heavy car for
>> the tire size, which means it has to have XL (IIRC) load range tires.
>> Those load ratings are only valid at maximum inflation; there is some
>> arcane derating system as the tire pressures decrease.
>>
>> Mike

>
> The Prius uses every trick in the book to increase fuel economy ratings,
> including many which have nothing to do with hybrid technology. Few
> people realize that narrow, tall tires give better fuel economy than wide,
> squat tires. The effect isn't huge, but it is there.
>
> John
>


Oddly, the OEM Low Rolling Resistance tires operated at the recommended
pressure give almost 5% poorer fuel economy than more standard tires at
proper inflation. The most popular aftermarket tires for the current
generation Prius are the Michelin Hydroedge, with maximum rated inflation (I
forget the numbers) in the front and 2 psi less in the rear.

The "bleeding edge" in fuel economy is a marketing issue, not a design
issue. The Prius was originally designed to be a 21st century car from the
ground up, and the revolutionary passenger capsule and suspension designs
were the first considerations. The original design outline (in November
1993) only called for 50% better fuel economy than the equivalent Corolla
and there was no thought to use a hybrid power train. It was only when the
fuel economy spec was increased another 50% a year later that the team
turned to what was then very experimental hybrid technology. See
http://www.vfaq.net/docs/Prius_that_shook_world.pdf (note: more than 1 MB
file size).

Mike



Elmo P. Shagnasty 12-04-2005 01:18 PM

Re: Honda Civic Hybrid
 
In article <sOKdnZfOM_5fsg7eRVn-pA@sedona.net>,
"Michael Pardee" <michaeltnull@cybertrails.com> wrote:

> Oddly, the OEM Low Rolling Resistance tires operated at the recommended
> pressure give almost 5% poorer fuel economy than more standard tires at
> proper inflation.


You don't make any sense here.

The proper inflation for ANY tire is what's recommended by the
manufacturer. There is no different inflation value for a replacement
tire than there is for the tires that came on the car.

You must be thinking that the "max inflation pressure" listed on the
side of the tire is some kind of "proper" inflation amount. It's not.


Michael Pardee 12-04-2005 01:55 PM

Re: Honda Civic Hybrid
 
"Elmo P. Shagnasty" <elmop@nastydesigns.com> wrote in message
news:elmop-79B1AB.13181804122005@nntp1.usenetserver.com...
> In article <sOKdnZfOM_5fsg7eRVn-pA@sedona.net>,
> "Michael Pardee" <michaeltnull@cybertrails.com> wrote:
>
>> Oddly, the OEM Low Rolling Resistance tires operated at the recommended
>> pressure give almost 5% poorer fuel economy than more standard tires at
>> proper inflation.

>
> You don't make any sense here.
>
> The proper inflation for ANY tire is what's recommended by the
> manufacturer. There is no different inflation value for a replacement
> tire than there is for the tires that came on the car.
>
> You must be thinking that the "max inflation pressure" listed on the
> side of the tire is some kind of "proper" inflation amount. It's not.
>

No - the proper inflation is both application dependent and tire dependent.
The load rating on the tire is only applicable at the maximum rated
pressure, regardless of the vehicle. Car manufacturers state an inflation
with the OEM tires that produces the ride they want with adequate inflation
for safety with the tires they provide, but the tire manufacturers are not
bound to the car manufacturer's recommendations when they offer a tire for
that car. The good news is that people usually want wider tires, which
increase the margin of safety between the car manufacturer's recommendations
and the minimum inflation.

My partner worked at a Discount Tire when he was young and absolutely rails
about the folly of putting tire pressures in the owner's manual. Tire
retailers have charts that tell them the proper pressure for the tire in a
given operating load range, and he got no end of grief from people who said
that didn't match the owner's manual... as though the manual had any
foreknowledge of the tires that were to be used.

The real test of inflation (as long as it is at least the required inflation
for the load and no more than the max inflation) is tread wear. I don't
bother with the tape test for inflation wear because I'm lazy that way - I
choose an inflation and wait until they wear out, then look at the wear
pattern. I've never seen a tire show overinflation wear.

Mike



Elmo P. Shagnasty 12-04-2005 03:07 PM

Re: Honda Civic Hybrid
 
In article <88ednTuEeI8Hpg7eRVn-iQ@sedona.net>,
"Michael Pardee" <michaeltnull@cybertrails.com> wrote:

> My partner worked at a Discount Tire when he was young and absolutely rails
> about the folly of putting tire pressures in the owner's manual.


Ah. Now that I can consider the source, that your ramblings are insane
at least makes sense.

Discount Tire. Yep.


Michael Pardee 12-04-2005 06:34 PM

Re: Honda Civic Hybrid
 
"Elmo P. Shagnasty" <elmop@nastydesigns.com> wrote in message
news:elmop-D2DEDA.15072704122005@nntp1.usenetserver.com...
> In article <88ednTuEeI8Hpg7eRVn-iQ@sedona.net>,
> "Michael Pardee" <michaeltnull@cybertrails.com> wrote:
>
>> My partner worked at a Discount Tire when he was young and absolutely
>> rails
>> about the folly of putting tire pressures in the owner's manual.

>
> Ah. Now that I can consider the source, that your ramblings are insane
> at least makes sense.
>
> Discount Tire. Yep.
>

And your source is better?

Mike



Elmo P. Shagnasty 12-04-2005 07:41 PM

Re: Honda Civic Hybrid
 
In article <XP6dnaiDQtib4A7eRVn-pg@sedona.net>,
"Michael Pardee" <michaeltnull@cybertrails.com> wrote:

> > Discount Tire. Yep.
> >

> And your source is better?


Than some guy who worked at Discount Tire?

It's not hard to get better than that.


Michael Pardee 12-04-2005 08:24 PM

Re: Honda Civic Hybrid
 
"Elmo P. Shagnasty" <elmop@nastydesigns.com> wrote in message
news:elmop-8B871E.19414004122005@nntp1.usenetserver.com...
> In article <XP6dnaiDQtib4A7eRVn-pg@sedona.net>,
> "Michael Pardee" <michaeltnull@cybertrails.com> wrote:
>
>> > Discount Tire. Yep.
>> >

>> And your source is better?

>
> Than some guy who worked at Discount Tire?
>
> It's not hard to get better than that.
>

You are certainly free to do what you want. The numbers in the owner's
manual are not going to be dangerously far off for any tire that is suited
to the car, so go for it.

But I'm sure you understand that I will take the advice of the tire chain
that has given me first class service for decades over your advice, your
prejudices notwithstanding. And the "some guy" has proven his overall
competence to me many times over the years while you are a variable source
of opinion, so we are separating on this one.

Mike



Elmo P. Shagnasty 12-04-2005 08:58 PM

Re: Honda Civic Hybrid
 
In article <RrGdnRyrYvhwCw7enZ2dnUVZ_sOdnZ2d@sedona.net>,
"Michael Pardee" <michaeltnull@cybertrails.com> wrote:

> But I'm sure you understand that I will take the advice of the tire chain
> that has given me first class service for decades


Discount Tire.

Let me guess: you take your engine advice from Jiffy Lube.


Michael Pardee 12-04-2005 11:34 PM

Re: Honda Civic Hybrid
 
"Elmo P. Shagnasty" <elmop@nastydesigns.com> wrote in message
news:elmop-740E62.20581604122005@nntp1.usenetserver.com...
> In article <RrGdnRyrYvhwCw7enZ2dnUVZ_sOdnZ2d@sedona.net>,
> "Michael Pardee" <michaeltnull@cybertrails.com> wrote:
>
>> But I'm sure you understand that I will take the advice of the tire chain
>> that has given me first class service for decades

>
> Discount Tire.
>
> Let me guess: you take your engine advice from Jiffy Lube.
>

Very droll. As I say, no accounting for your prejudices... and still you
offer no support for them. You are diminishing yourself in my eyes.

Mike



Elmo P. Shagnasty 12-05-2005 06:06 AM

Re: Honda Civic Hybrid
 
In article <SomdnQduBuD9Xg7enZ2dnUVZ_vydnZ2d@sedona.net>,
"Michael Pardee" <michaeltnull@cybertrails.com> wrote:

> > Discount Tire.
> >
> > Let me guess: you take your engine advice from Jiffy Lube.
> >

> Very droll. As I say, no accounting for your prejudices... and still you
> offer no support for them.


I don't have to. I know the facts.

And one fact I know is, you take your advice from some guy who used to
work at Discount Tire--and you claim it to be the gospel.


Michael Pardee 12-05-2005 07:53 AM

Re: Honda Civic Hybrid
 
"Elmo P. Shagnasty" <elmop@nastydesigns.com> wrote in message
news:elmop-E79C2F.06062605122005@nntp1.usenetserver.com...
> In article <SomdnQduBuD9Xg7enZ2dnUVZ_vydnZ2d@sedona.net>,
> "Michael Pardee" <michaeltnull@cybertrails.com> wrote:
>
>> Very droll. As I say, no accounting for your prejudices... and still you
>> offer no support for them.

>
> I don't have to. I know the facts.
>
> And one fact I know is, you take your advice from some guy who used to
> work at Discount Tire--and you claim it to be the gospel.
>

As I pointed out, that "some guy" is my partner of 5 years. I have had good
advice and stellar support from various stores in the Discount Tire chain
for more than 20 years. In that time, I have seen or heard no complaints I
can recall regarding Discount Tire. I have had exactly one in all these
years: the mechanic failed to tighten the lug nuts on a wheel after a
repair. And I never presented it as gospel, just as the most reliable info I
had available.

I don't know what you have against Discount Tire, and you still don't say -
only that you "have the facts" you don't see fit to share. You don't know my
partner but you assume he is less competent than you, particularly in the
field of tires, a premise I find laughable. So who would you have me go
with - somebody who has earned my trust or some random anonymous guy who
offers no support for his ravings? Maybe I should listen to Alex, the
"Toyota kills" guy, because he has less going for him than you do.

Mike



(Mailing list usage forbidden) 12-16-2005 03:18 AM

Re: Honda Civic Hybrid
 
On Sun, 27 Nov 2005 21:58:13 GMT, "Morgan Groves" <m_groves@yahoo.com>
wrote:

>I bought a 2004 Civic Hybrid about a year and a half ago, and have been VERY
>happy with it. At this point, my average mileage, according to the panel
>display is 42 mpg. I use it mostly in town and avoid freeways whenever
>possible. Highway mileage is a bit better if I keep my speed at 65, but
>drops pretty precipitately at speeds over 70.
>
>I'm just wondering how this compares with the experience of other Civic
>Hybrid owners.
>



Traded in an '04 Civic that pretty much ran 10% under the EPA mileages
over the 1.5 year period for an '05 Accord Hybrid w/Navi. Mulitple
tank average of the Civic's mixed local and up
to 900 mile round trips was always over 40. The Accord's multiple
tank averages are running 31 ish.

Wife could not abide the highway 'feel' of the Civic (light-weight
wandering in the lane) nor the 'slipping clutch' characteristic of the
CVT.

I must admit, I LOVE the power of the Accord V6. Has more get up and
get than the non-hybrid V6 and even my old 72 Comet GT with the 302 V8
was a wimp (stock) compared to the Hybrid. Love the 'better' gas
mileage. However, it is truly only an 'ego' or 'status' purchase with
no monetary advantage over a standard vehicle. The premium is too
high to recover unless gas prices get over $20/gal an as for being
"green" the battery disposal is not.

But... you have to breath air, you can bury batteries.


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