[RunLikeAnAntelope]

I have owned my car since September, 2012 and was initially getting great mileage (~40MPG)... but mostly driving on the highway. I am currently only using the car to drive back and forth to work (~7 miles round trip, under 30 MPH, Econ button always ON) and the gas mileage has significantly deteriorated. The last two tanks have averaged 21-24 MPG. I understand the winter gas mix will cause some loss of efficiency, but am I wrong to think the Hybrid should be performing better? Is there anything I can do to improve the gas performance? The car has less than 2,500 miles, I always use Premium gas and it hasn't had its first oil change. Thanks....

 

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This may be a silly question, but do you happen to start your car up and let it run before driving so that it is warm when you get into the car for your short drive to work?

 

[RunLikeAnAntelope]

Not a silly question... unfortunately I don't always start the car prior to driving. I was actually contemplating an automatic car starter to help be a bit more consistent with warming the car before I take off. I'll try to start it/warm it for the rest of the week and see if it makes any noticeable difference. The temperatures have been teetering between teens and low 20s, so I was assuming that was the main factor affecting gas efficiency; however, I am still shocked that the current tank of gas is averaging less than 21 MPG. It could be that I don't fully understand the technology, but I was under the impression that the electric motor should be supplementing the engine at points when additional power is required (i.e. starting from a complete stop, as I do often driving to work).

 

[RunLikeAnAntelope]

Warmed my car up this morning and made sure the cold light was off before driving...and now the average MPG per this tank of gas is down to 20.0... I'm going to give it a few more days, but I'm very disappointed with this car as things stand right now.

 

[cfrp]

In the winter mileage is going to be worse. After the third oil change the mileage will get better.

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[Domani]

Warmed my car up this morning and made sure the cold light was off before driving...and now the average MPG per this tank of gas is down to 20.0... I'm going to give it a few more days, but I'm very disappointed with this car as things stand right now.

Not good at all. I expected better gas mileage when it's at it's running temperature since at that stage it's running at it's prime.
I doubt their will be any significant changes so when you do take it into the dealership, let us know!

 

[acura-dude77]

At this point I dont think there will be a difference. Your ILX was broken in properly and everything so. But keep us update with what the dealership has to say if you do end up bringing it in.

 

[cfrp]

I'm not an expert in hybrid technolodgy but I can't help but think things that run of batteries wouldnt do well in the winter as batterys + cold weather aren't a good combo for durability and power.

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[black321]

The colder winter weather seems to make the hybrid battery assist less effective, and thereby reducing mileage somewhat....in addition to the other comments regarding the gas mix. Still, i do 80% city driving and have been averaging around 37-40 mpg. So unless you have a lead foot, something seems amiss.

 

[AcuraPWR]

Warmed my car up this morning and made sure the cold light was off before driving...and now the average MPG per this tank of gas is down to 20.0... I'm going to give it a few more days, but I'm very disappointed with this car as things stand right now.

In the winter mileage is going to be worse. After the third oil change the mileage will get better.

Yup winter mileage is always worse, the fact that engines have to run in super cold weather, drive through winter weather that requires more from the vehicle, etc ... quite a few things about winter contribute to poor mileage.

Maybe with the more mileage it gets it can get better gas mileage, since it's still a new car.

 

[Oatos]

With conventional car batteries I've noticed after a few seasons once the weather changes and especially when its cold the car struggles a bit to start. Not sure if this would have the same effect on the hybrid battery system. Do any of you guys noticed that issue with hybrids?

 

[hightemp13]

Is the engine cold for the majority of your commute (blue light on)? I think that the electric motor doesn't start running until that light is off.

Here's a good article about hybrids in cold weather:
HowStuffWorks "Hybrid Car Fuel Economy and Cold Weather"

 

[Saildog4534]

Hey hightemp, just curious: how does that VT trans work? Does it "shift" like a regular auto?
Does it have paddle shifters?

 

[hightemp13]

Hey hightemp, just curious: how does that VT trans work? Does it "shift" like a regular auto?
Does it have paddle shifters?

It's shifts like a normal auto. It also had paddle shifters. Probably only useful on hilly roads though.