Maximizing A Honda Accord's Fuel Economy

[Pierce]

Originally Posted by foamypirate

I'm going to give you a nice list of tune-up items, even those you've already done, just for my own simplicity. =P

Also, if you are going for maximum gas mileage, make sure the car is properly aligned.

Nice to see another 4th gen'r. My 93 LX has 258,000 on it now. =D

Thanks for the superb list. Can anyone throw anything else on top off it? Looks very complete. How much would it cost to do all of that?

-If I typically get around 30~36 mph, how much will I get after the tune-ups?

[foamypirate]

Originally Posted by Pierce

Thanks for the surpurb list. Can anyone throw anything else on top off it? Looks very complete. How much would it cost to do all of that?

-If I typically get around 30~36 mph, how much will I get after the tune-ups?

It's hard to say how much it will increase. You seem to be getting great mileage right now, so it may not hurt to hold off on a full tune-up for a year or so.

The only expensive part on that list is the valve adjustment, unless you can do it yourself. Everything else can be purchased relatively cheaply.

[Pierce]

Hmm. I see.

-So I should ask basically for a "full tune up" + timing belt/water pump replacement?

However, please realise I have to work REALLY hard to achieve the mpg I've been getting. It's not fun driving 35 mph on a 55 mph highway.

[Trip]

foamypirate's list is good. I highly recommend the valve adjustment.

Also, be sure when the timing belt is changed that the water pump is changed, too. There is no additional labor, just parts. Good preventive maintenance since the side of the engine is apart already.

Won't do anything for fuel economy, but changing the coolant and the brake fluid is worth considering if you have no record of it being done in the past 30-40,000 miles.

[Pierce]

I see. I'll ask about that too.

[foamypirate]

Originally Posted by Pierce

However, please realise I have to work REALLY hard to achieve the mpg I've been getting. It's not fun driving 35 mph on a 55 mph highway.

If you have to work that hard, then it may be time for a tuneup. Just cruising (A/C off) at 75mph, I can get 36mpg with my fresh tuneup.

[Pierce]

WOW!! 36 mpg at **75** miles-per-hour? Are you serious!?!? My Goodness! You must be right!! I really need a full tune then, it's final ! I can't believe I've been so stupid! Auggh! Why didn't I think of that!?!

-However, is there a small possibility that getting 36 mpg highway on the older (1993) Accord is difficult as the EPA gave her a 2008 highway rating of only 26 mpg?

Either way, I REALLY hope you're right, because I'd just LOVE to see my Accord consume gasoline much more effeciently. Then I wouldn't have to bother traveling 35 mph max on RT. 22, an **almost illegal speed on the highway. It's really embarrassing having to go THAT slow. Sigh. . . .

-Note: Min. Speed posted on RT. 22 is 40 mph. Max Speed 65 mph.

[Osiris_x11]

Pierce, is this Rt. 22 in WPenn/WV/Ohio?

[Pierce]

Yes, and in New Jersey as well.

[Osiris_x11]

Ok, to be more concise... you're in NJ?

I used to frequent Rt. 22/30 in WPenn when I lived there for many years.

[Pierce]

Well don't worry, chances are you won't find me poking down the road in PA anytime soon. I do try my best not to traffic build up behind me however.