HONDA 2004 Civic Hybrid - Owner's Manual - Manual (Page 122)

Always maintain your vehicle
according to the maintenance
schedule. See
(see page
).
an underinflated tire
causes more ‘‘rolling resistance,’’
which uses fuel.
Try to maintain a constant speed.
Every time you slow down and
speed up, your vehicle uses extra
fuel. Use the cruise control when
appropriate.
Combine several short trips into
one.
The air conditioning puts an extra
load on the engine which makes it
use more fuel. Use the fresh-air
ventilation when possible.
Drive moderately. Rapid
acceleration, abrupt cornering and
hard braking use more fuel.
Always drive in the highest gear
possible.
You may find that your Civic Hybrid’s
unique combination of an engine and
an electric motor has driving
characteristics that are somewhat
different from what you are used to.
Shift Up and Shift Down indicators
(5-speed manual transmission only)
on the instrument panel show when
to shift to a higher or lower gear. By
shifting as soon as the indicator
comes on, you will keep the engine
operating in its most economical
range.
Engine oil also affects fuel
economy. The fuel efficient, low-
viscosity 0W-20 oil recommended
for your Civic Hybrid is
formulated to help the engine use
less fuel. This oil is available at
your Honda dealer.
The build-up of snow or mud on
your vehicle’s underside adds
weight and rolling resistance.
Frequent cleaning helps your fuel
mileage and reduces the chance of
corrosion.
146
For example,
CONTINUED
Improving Fuel Economy
Owner’s
Maintenance Checks
Fuel Economy
Bef ore Driving 119
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