14 MPG? seriously?!

atavision · 10-22-2012, 07:19 PM

I've been enjoying everything about my '04 FrontWD element for a couple of years now, but no matter how carefully I drive I can't get more than 14 or 15 MPG in the city (26-28 highway). Please, does anyone have any tricks to help increase gas mileage?

would a different air filter help? I'm not talking about any major changes to my element, just some tips to help lower my gas costs.

atavision · 11-29-2012, 08:40 PM

wow, no one has any ideas on increasing gas mileage on a FWD Honda Element? really? I find that hard to believe.

Burn619 · 11-29-2012, 09:44 PM

Try the search function. You've asked what might be the most asked question ever on this site.

EdwardChen · 11-30-2012, 01:02 PM

Burn's right, might also want to check out the Fuel Economy forum: http://www.elementownersclub.com/for...splay.php?f=94

Just from memory, your best bets are to check the air filter, change the oil (maybe use 0W-20, but that's marginal), the biggie is to check your tire pressures, keep them topped up right at spec, or if you're willing, go up a couple PSI from there. And, of course, keep your car clean, get rid of any unnecessary dead weight you're carrying around.

Your highway mileage actually seems very good. My combined mileage comes in around 18-22, with my all highway topping out at about 26 (4wd). Good luck!

pseudomaniac · 12-01-2012, 07:23 PM

MPG being off is a key indicator that something isn't right with the engine or transmission. Have you pulled your sparkplugs and "read" them ?

IRV · 12-01-2012, 09:44 PM

In 191,499 miles I've never had a fill-up that didn't give me 18.5 MPG. Are you sure you are measuring it right?

My average is around 21.5 MPG.

racerc2000 · 12-01-2012, 10:26 PM

prob the best advice I can give is......

dont do short cold trips. the k24 is a gas guzzler before its properly warmed up.

use the recommended top tier gas.

when you can drive between 55 and 65 on the big roads. and do everything gradual. take alil longer to get up to speed and also take alil longer in your slowing process

other then that any mods and techniques you would see on the ecomodder type forums would work for us also.

mr.dunk · 12-05-2012, 04:28 PM

In my 2008 SC I am currently gettinf about 25.6 mpg this is doing min. 80 mph on freeways and 40-60 mph on city roads here in AZ

Rollinwrench · 12-07-2012, 09:30 AM

I agree,it seems that the short,cold trips are the mpg killer! which I do almost exclusively,and am getting 14-15mpg city.

Wrenchmeister · 12-11-2012, 07:28 AM

Easy fix. Turn the ignition key counterclockwise...

From what I have read, element's guzzling habits are like loosing hair... Some more than others, but regardless of what you use, it is happening.

10-22-2012, 07:19 PM	#1
atavision EOC Rank: Hydrogen 2004 2WD EX AT Satin Silver Metallic (SSM) Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Canada Posts: 3	14 MPG? seriously?! I've been enjoying everything about my '04 FrontWD element for a couple of years now, but no matter how carefully I drive I can't get more than 14 or 15 MPG in the city (26-28 highway). Please, does anyone have any tricks to help increase gas mileage? would a different air filter help? I'm not talking about any major changes to my element, just some tips to help lower my gas costs.

11-29-2012, 08:40 PM	#2
atavision EOC Rank: Hydrogen 2004 2WD EX AT Satin Silver Metallic (SSM) Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Canada Posts: 3	a month later... wow, no one has any ideas on increasing gas mileage on a FWD Honda Element? really? I find that hard to believe.

11-30-2012, 01:02 PM	#4
EdwardChen EOC Rank: Helium 2007 4WD EX 5AT Galaxy Gray Metallic (GG) Join Date: May 2012 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 232	Burn's right, might also want to check out the Fuel Economy forum: http://www.elementownersclub.com/for...splay.php?f=94 Just from memory, your best bets are to check the air filter, change the oil (maybe use 0W-20, but that's marginal), the biggie is to check your tire pressures, keep them topped up right at spec, or if you're willing, go up a couple PSI from there. And, of course, keep your car clean, get rid of any unnecessary dead weight you're carrying around. Your highway mileage actually seems very good. My combined mileage comes in around 18-22, with my all highway topping out at about 26 (4wd). Good luck! __________________ Signatures are for crazy people.

12-01-2012, 09:44 PM	#6
IRV EOC Rank: Iron 2004 4WD EX AT Fiji Blue Pearl (FBP) Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Elgin, Illinois Posts: 3,105	Well... In 191,499 miles I've never had a fill-up that didn't give me 18.5 MPG. Are you sure you are measuring it right? My average is around 21.5 MPG. __________________ Grumpy Old Man The “SEARCH” function here is fun to use. TRY IT.:) “LOCATION” provides valuable context to your posts. Proud member of 2006 misfits! http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/flash/posting.php This is Fun! Right about 185,000 miles 7/23/12. Still going strong!

12-01-2012, 10:26 PM	#7
racerc2000 EOC Rank: Carbon 2010 SC 2WD 5AT Polished Metal Metallic (PMM) Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Long island NY Posts: 1,453	prob the best advice I can give is...... dont do short cold trips. the k24 is a gas guzzler before its properly warmed up. use the recommended top tier gas. when you can drive between 55 and 65 on the big roads. and do everything gradual. take alil longer to get up to speed and also take alil longer in your slowing process other then that any mods and techniques you would see on the ecomodder type forums would work for us also. __________________ 2010 PMM SC. color matched trim/mirrors,pinstripe,factory spoiler,vent guards,Clazzio leather,carbon fiber trim,various ktuned/mugen/arc/skunk2/crower bits tossed around In solitude, where we are least alone.

11-29-2012, 09:44 PM	#3
Burn619 Premium Member 2004 4WD EX AT Custom Paint Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: San Diego Posts: 932	Try the search function. You've asked what might be the most asked question ever on this site.

12-01-2012, 07:23 PM	#5
pseudomaniac EOC Rank: Hydrogen 2003 2WD DX MT Crystal Black Pearl (CBP) Join Date: Nov 2012 Posts: 10	MPG being off is a key indicator that something isn't right with the engine or transmission. Have you pulled your sparkplugs and "read" them ?

12-05-2012, 04:28 PM	#8
mr.dunk EOC Rank: Hydrogen 2008 SC 2WD 5AT Magnesium Metallic (MM) Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 22	In my 2008 SC I am currently gettinf about 25.6 mpg this is doing min. 80 mph on freeways and 40-60 mph on city roads here in AZ

12-07-2012, 09:30 AM	#9
Rollinwrench EOC Rank: Hydrogen 2007 4WD EX AT Nighthawk Black Pearl (NBP) Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Philly Posts: 3	I agree,it seems that the short,cold trips are the mpg killer! which I do almost exclusively,and am getting 14-15mpg city.

12-11-2012, 07:28 AM	#10
Wrenchmeister EOC Rank: Oxygen 2006 2WD EX-P AT Tango Red Pearl (TRP) Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Mcallen, Texas Posts: 679	Easy fix. Turn the ignition key counterclockwise... From what I have read, element's guzzling habits are like loosing hair... Some more than others, but regardless of what you use, it is happening.

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