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There are a lot of things that effect gas mileage, the first thing to start with is to see if you have any check engine light codes stored (and don’t replace any more parts unless you have some evidence they are bad unless you like to spend money and replace parts on your car for kicks), if you don’t then start with the basics. Honda’s don’t like aftermarket parts so I would recommend using the correct plugs which on that engine are NGK’s that are a little expensive but you don’t have to replace them but every 100K and use a good air filter as well. Once you know your tune up items are in good shape I’d then look to the tires, make sure they are at the correct pressure (32psi I believe), in addition once again Honda’s are particular about the parts you use, if you have tires other than the Michelins it came with this could contribute, you’d be amazed at how tires effect gas mileage. Lastly make sure the engine is coming up to temperature, if it’s not coming up to at least the middle of the gauge after you drive for a while then perhaps there is a thermostat issue, once again use an OE part if you find this to be the case.
Last Lastly, I hear this a lot this time of year and there are a couple of things to consider when gas mileage is poor this time of year. There is winter blend and a summer blend of gas, the winter blend burns easier and therefor your gas mileage won’t be as good. The other thing is that many people leave their cars running in the driveway till they warm up, even though you’re not driving you’re still using gas so the longer you let the car warm up the more fuel you will use in the process.
I’ve had a lifetime of Honda Accords and Toyota Camrys.
Regarding fuel mileage, I’ve noted for nearly 30 seasons that the Honda’s fuel mileage is much more sensitive to cold weather than Toyotas.
The only thing I can believe is that Honda opts for a much richer A/F ratio in the cold compared to Honda. The Toyotas never seemed lean during warm-up, so I have to conclude the Toyota just did a little better mapping. All a guess of course.
Quoted From WDHewson:
I’ve had a lifetime of Honda Accords and Toyota Camrys.
Regarding fuel mileage, I’ve noted for nearly 30 seasons that the Honda’s fuel mileage is much more sensitive to cold weather than Toyotas.
The only thing I can believe is that Honda opts for a much richer A/F ratio in the cold compared to Honda. The Toyotas never seemed lean during warm-up, so I have to conclude the Toyota just did a little better mapping. All a guess of course.
That’s the difference between a ‘speed density’ strategy (Honda) and a MAF strategy (Toyota). You’re a very observant person.
Here’s a thought. One of the worst things you can do to reduce gas milage is move close to your place of work and shorten your commute. I have a 2004 Acura RSX. When I commute 15 miles to works (and 15 miles back home), I get 29-30 mpg. I had an assignment six miles from my home about a year ago and my mpg went to 26-27 mpg.
Years ago, old VWs with air cooled engines might get 29 mpg on long trips and less than 10 mpg on a short commute.You could try cleaning the injectors but I don’t think that’s going to make any difference for you if I’m honest. Don’t forget about the ‘warm up time’ that I mentioned will also factor in and as mentioned above if the engine does not get time to fully come up to temperature your mileage will also suffer.
Well I have manual spec plugs, the right size tires but bridgestone, I can read my engine parameters on my phone and my coolant temp is around 200 , air filter good I know winter gas is less efficient but my mileage has been cut in half ? Something is wrong , do you thing I should clean my injectors , dirty injectors spray like shit and cause a bad burn?
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