Newbie Question regarding "low" MPG?

[AdamB]

Hey guys, as a new owner of a 2000 MT, I took my first few long commute to work and found myself left with a couple of questions - the first is the biggest.

Cruising on a flat road at a steady 60mph in 5th gear I found that I was only getting around 45mpg according to the gauge. The moment I lightened up on the pedal in the slightest I saw the MPG go up to around 60mpg but immediately began losing speed.

What am I doing wrong? I should be able to get FAR better than 45mpg at a steady 60mph.

Is there some trick to be able to maintain both a higher MPG (and by higher I mean ANYTHING over 50mpg) and a steady speed. I cannot seem to do both?

[aisbell]

I attempted to post a detailed response, but my reply seems to have fallen into the bit bucket. So I will summarize:

• tires other than Bridgestone Potenza RE92 165/65R14
• low tire inflation pressure
• incorrect front wheel toe-in adjustment
• low ambient temperatures and/or headwinds

Something is definitely wrong.

[Willie Williford]

Art: also add ............Miles on the engine. (Yes your mileage will drop sooner or later)
Been there, done that. See what you can get in 4th @ 60.

Willie

[red1dr]

Maybe also tack SOC of the IMA battery onto the list. If the battery charge is low, he will be in forced regen and that drags down the mpg.

[Leeper]

Hello Adam,
You gave us FAR to little information to help you here. We need to know:
What tires and what air pressure
MT or Auto?
Weather
State of your battery (is it charged or not)
Mileage
What is the lifetime gas mileage on your car?
When was your last tune-up? What was done and by who? (were air cleaner and plugs changed out?)
Have you or anyone else cleaned the EGR plate yet?

That should get us started to be able to offer some advice.

I get about 70-80+MPG when driving at 60mph with a bone stock MT MY2000

[gilbertguy]

Also the condition of your fuel injectors can affect your milage. Also does your car studdor or buck (usually around 1800 rpm), that might indicate an issue with the EGR or clogged EGR plate.

[Jivko57]

The reduced MPG in an insight 1 (as probably any other car too is a combination of different factors.

Luckily with the insight the miles on the odometer are not the main reason sometimes.

reading on this forum about the experiences of others and taking into account my experience in the last 16 months I would try to build a list of the most common culprits for decreased mpg in a fragile and fine tuned car like the insight 1....

these can be divided in several groups-

1st group- mechanical reasons:

- clogged EGR plate
- worn out EGR VALVE
- bad spark plugs
- wrong kind of engine oil
- bad 12 v battery (constantly charging/discharging)
- bad IMA battery (constantly charging/discharging)
- under inflated tires (seems good results are 40 psi and up..)
-missing under body panels (bigger effect in higher speeds)
- non OEM tires (non LRR tires)
- bad O2 sensor(s)
-clogged cats

etc


2nd group - related to driving style:

- using a/c
- frequent acceleration/ braking
etc

3rd group:
-outside reasons:

- very cold or very hot weather
- driving in rain or snow
- strong headwind
- hilly terrain
- heavy traffic
- city driving

probably there are many other reasons that affect the mileage more or less but would say the MPG can be increased in any insight by taking care of some or all of the above....

[Eli]

Jivco57 covered it well.

As a new Insight owner/driver, you will come to realize that your environmental conditions have a profound impact on your mileage. One mistake people make is that they expect to get 80MPG 24/7/365, but that isn't realistic.

Based on your description, you either had a stout head wind or you were climbing in elevation.