The biggest lesson I've learned thus far is that mileage above the EPA estimate of 41/43 is really sensitive to anything that may throw it off. I _really_ like the car; everything about it. For me the potential for great mileage is just a bonus. (I'm in the camp that thinks catastrophic global warming is BS and is more politics than science). I realize others may have bought an Insight primarily for mileage though.
First off make sure you're not running it in 'sport' mode, S position on the shifter. Could explain your auto-stop problem. Econ mode also makes heavier use of auto-stop.
Low tire pressure will definitely drop your mileage. With the onset of cold weather and 8 weeks of not checking it, mine dropped to 27.5 psi and mileage was frequently around 32mpg. The recommended PSI should get you around the EPA estimate of 41/43. I've frequently run my tires around 10% over spec, 3 psi (36 total) in the case of the Insight. For safety reasons I cannot recommend that you ever over inflate your tires. It can negatively affect traction and handling and in the end be dangerous.
Some say cold weather can negatively affect combustion efficiency; i.e. cold intake air, longer warm up periods, etc.
RE: battery, I wouldn't worry about the battery state too much. In the end, the energy all ultimately comes from the same place, the gas tank. I've seen the engine will actually charge the battery on level terrain at cruising speed if the battery is low. It's not up to you to charge it.
RE: regen-braking, sane driving first, efficiency second. Light longer braking will probably store more energy. I try not to bury the charge needle. If you brake too hard your heads up display will glow blue. Feathering can convince the engine to switch to battery only for brief periods. But eventually, all of that energy comes from using gasoline.
RE: radio off when the car starts, my un-qualified opinion is that's bunk. It's not that much power.
If mileage is _the_ most important thing to you then maybe a Prius is a better choice. Personally, for me, the handling, looks and character of the Insight and the fact that it's a Honda are the most important, great mileage is just a bonus.
These are my observations. While my driving habits may not be the absolute most efficient (i.e. I like to listen to the radio which does technically use energy), they're good enough to consistently get 42-50mpg with some effort when not in stop and go traffic. I'm coming from driving a truck getting 16mpg. Even 32mpg in stop and go traffic is a win for me.
I hope you enjoy your new car.
Last edited by oceanconsulting; 11-15-2010 at 12:30 AM.
|
