Hello, all...

I took delivery of a 2005 HCH two days ago. I've put 100 miles on the car and noticed the MPG is recording around 34. As with a lot of new cars, I am suspecting mileage increases over time.

Are there any specific break in procedures that would be helpful...or maybe things to avoid? Did others get better mileage after the first tank?

Thanks,
Lansing

 

I think everyone here had a bad first tank. Mine was 45mpg. My second was 50mpg. My current one is reading 57.5mpg after 360 miles.

There are many, many threads on this forum with discussions of tips and techniques to improve your efficiency. Click around and read... you'll be hypermiling in no time :-p

As far as break-in goes, it's the same as for any car... don't rev too high and avoid speeding on the highway. After you've broken the car in, continue driving it that way

 

Also, make sure the econ button is lit up. Some people never use it and wonder why their car doesn't shut off at stop lights and stuff.

 

my dealer told me Honda pre-breaks in their engines at the factory? is this true or was he just blowin smoke?

 

Most all new cars are run in at the factory to some degree or another. Very few are really run hard enough to qualify for what most folks consider break-in (Mercedes' AMG and Porsche's 911's are an exception) but the bottom line is that these motors are built to incredibly tight tolerances. You don't get 50+ mpg out of a passenger sedan by having some engine with the pistons and rings just flapping around and maybe sealing up some day. They're going to be virtually perfect from day 1.

 

my first tank was 40mpg- but it was about 20 degrees out in feb. you're lucky you're starting when it's warm and the car can operate at optimum temps.
where are you driving? are you using alot of AC? That will really suck your mileage down. also- alot of people, myself included bump up their tire pressure for less rolling resistance. That really helps.
as to break in- doppler already said it; drive like you normally would, but not to extreems. I personally think there is a break in period for both the car and the driver. you need to learn how to drive it - you're in the right place- and I have seen my mileage go up between 4-6000 miles.
congrats on your new car & welcolm to the world of 50 mpg! (don't worry - you'll get there!)
Kate

 

When I took delivery of my HCH, it had 60 odd miles on it, with an mpg of 28. Probably from a fair amount of idle idling, short test drives, salespeople moving it around the lot, you name it.

I debated resetting the TRIP B (which I keep as my lmpg) but did not, so my first tank was awful, too. Now, 38k miles later, that 60 odd miles isn't a blip on the radar.

Enjoy your HCH!

 

Thanks for the good insight, Kate.

I drive in Southern California, so it's hot and the AC is on constantly. There was a post about using Economy mode. I haven't done that yet, but will try it today.

I might play around with the tire pressure, too. I did start to notice that it trammels (is that the right term) a little--or seems to follow cracks and crevasses in the road at times. Nothing terrible.

Can't wait to jump in and try it again.

Thanks all!

 

Break In? Get in it and go! No hard stops if possible. Dont abuse it like floor boarding it. Very few cars these days have any real tight break in rules.