Fuel Economy - Honda 1997 Accord Wagon Owner's Manual

Fuel Economy

The condition of your car and
your driving habits are the two
most important things that affect
the fuel mileage you get.
Vehicle Condition
Always maintain your car
according to the maintenance
schedule. This will keep it in top
operating condition.
An important part of that
maintenance is the Owner
Maintenance Checks (see page
126). For example, an
underinflated tire causes more
"rolling resistance," which uses
fuel. It also wears out faster, so
check the tire pressure at least
monthly.
In winter the buildup of snow on
your car's underside adds weight
Before Driving
and rolling resistance. Frequent
cleaning helps your fuel mileage
and reduces the chance of
corrosion.
Driving Habits
You can improve fuel economy
by driving moderately. Rapid
acceleration, cornering, and hard
braking use more fuel.
Always drive in the highest gear
that allows the engine to run and
accelerate smoothly.
Depending on traffic conditions,
try to maintain a constant speed.
Every time you slow down and
speed up, your car uses extra fuel.
Use the cruise control, when
appropriate, to increase fuel
economy.
A cold engine uses more fuel than
a warm engine. It is not necessary
to "warm-up" a cold engine by
letting it idle for a long time. You
can drive away in about a minute,
no matter how cold it is outside.
The engine will warm up faster,
and you get better fuel economy.
To cut down on the number of
"cold starts," try to combine
several short trips into one.
Air conditioning puts an extra
load on the engine which makes it
use more fuel. Turn off the A/C to
cut down on air conditioning use.
Use the flow-through ventilation
when the outside air temperature
is moderate.