How to Get More MPG From a 1996 Honda

The Honda Motor Co. has built a reputation throughout the years for manufacturing economical vehicles. In fact, Honda was producing fuel-efficient cars as far back as the early 1970s. So regardless of whether your 1996 Honda is a Civic, an Accord or some other model, chances are it achieves much better gas mileage than the large SUVs that were popular during the mid-to-late-1990s. You do not, however, have to settle for your current miles per gallon. With a bit of attention to detail and commitment, you can further improve your Honda's fuel efficiency.

• 1

  Arrange for regular maintenance and repair on your car. Along with the obvious need for standard oil changes, you also need to remember to change the car's transmission fluid and air filter. Additionally, make sure the tires are properly aligned and full of air. Alignment alone may affect your Honda's fuel economy by as much as 10 percent.

• 2

  Control the speeds at which you operate your Honda. Speed demands greater power from the engine, which means it must expend more fuel. Stop excess speeding by utilizing cruise control. Simply set your speed to less than 60 mph and stick to it. Also be sure to give yourself time when leaving for work or appointments. If you feel as if you're going to be late, you're more likely to speed.

• 3

  Turn off the Honda's ignition switch rather than permitting it to idle. Whenever you feel as if the motor will be running for more than a couple of minutes without the car moving, you need to shut it down in order to save gas. If you live in an area with snowy winters, you must also avoid running the car in order to melt the snow/ice on the windshield. Save gas by scraping the ice and snow off by hand.

• 4

  Inspect your Honda for anything that adds unnecessary weight. If you can find and remove 100 excessive pounds, you could recover as much as 2 percent of your gas mileage. The excessive weight may include cargo being hauled in the trunk, a bicycle or luggage rack on the top of the car or aftermarket parts.

• 5

  Check the Honda's gas cap. A faulty cap not only increases hazardous emissions, it also cuts into your gas mileage. If the cap is broken or missing entirely, replace it with a new one as soon as possible.