HONDA 2002 Insight - Owner's Manual - Manual (Page 127)

The condition of your car and your
driving habits are the two most
important things that affect the fuel
mileage you get.
Always maintain your car according
to the maintenance schedule. This
will keep it in top operating condition.
An important part of that mainte-
nance is the
(see page ). 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.
Engine oil also affects fuel economy.
The fuel efficient, low-viscosity
0W-20 oil recommended for your
Insight is formulated to help the
engine use less fuel. This oil is
available at your Honda dealer.
In winter, the build-up of snow on
your car’s underside adds weight and
rolling resistance. Frequent cleaning
helps your fuel mileage and reduces
the chance of corrosion.
You can improve fuel economy by
driving moderately. Rapid acceler-
ation, abrupt cornering, and hard
braking use more fuel.
To get the best fuel mileage, drive in
the highest gear that is practical for
the speed you are driving, and
always accelerate slowly.
You may find that your Insight’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.
Wind resistance causes vehicles to
use more fuel at higher speeds.
Driving at moderate speeds on the
highway reduces wind resistance
and conserves fuel.
Depending on traffic conditions, try
to maintain a constant speed. Every
time you slow down and speed up,
your car uses extra fuel.
163
Fuel Economy
Bef ore Driving
Vehicle Condition
Owner Maintenance
Checks
Driving Habits
124
Main Menu Table of Contents