Question:

I usually cruize on the highway at around 3000 rpm which translates to about 110km/hand it stays there for 3 hours during my long trips… although there are occasions where I need to pass or just want to play, it gets up to 5 or 6 grand.. the fuel economy really stinks if I drive hard all the way… my complaint is just city driving really kills the mileage.  It’s acceptable during highway travels, during city, it drops to about 21 mpg which is way below the 25 mpg/city rating… I drive an auto and the tranny locks up, which translates to approx 2500 rpm at 100 km/h, without the tranny lockup, it jumps to 3100 rpm at 100 km/h. Edmond,

Response:

I have a 95 GSR, and I can only get around 24-25 mpg in city.  On highway at around 80mph, I get around 28 mpg.  In city, my rpm is between 3K to 5K. According to the catalog, Integra should have 31mpg on highway, but I think they test with 60mph and A/C off. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->         My 98 Integra GS-R has been getting 26-28 mpg in mixed driving so far, and > that of course has been in the winter (bought it December 2nd).  Those of you > with lower mileage, what RPM do you usually drive at?

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>         My 98 Integra GS-R has been getting 26-28 mpg in mixed driving so far, and > that of course has been in the winter (bought it December 2nd).  Those of you > with lower mileage, what RPM do you usually drive at?

I try to keep it under 8000… ;) Seriously, I don’t think about it too much because the engine is so smooth.  If I notice i’m at 4000 in 4th for a while, I’ll upshift just to economize a little. But on road trips if i’m cruising at 90… well that’s 4700 (corrected).  And on winding mtn roads I’m in short-tube VTEC land (above 5700) a lot of the time ! I get 27-28 mpg. john baker

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>> I typically get around 25 MPG city and 32 MPG > highway on my GS-R, and that’s driving at 5000 feet altitude (Denver, > Colorado)…. >This makes me wonder whether a high elevation is supposed to be a good >or a bad thing when it comes to the gas mileage?  And why?  (This is a >honest question – I am interested.) >terv: Risto L.

This is a fascinating question to me too.   On a carbureted engine, one would expect worse gas mileage at altitude because the thinner air demands a wider throttle opening to get sufficient weight of oxygen to produce the same amount of power (it is weight, not volume, that counts) and, since the carburetor is jetted to produce a certain amount of fuel flow for a given volume of airflow, you will wind up with excess unburned fuel (unless the carbs are re-jetted for high altitude use). The Integra has computerized electronic fuel injection which determines the amount of fuel to inject based on a number of factors being monitored, including the oxygen content of the air.  Theoretically, it would reduce the fuel flow to a proper stochastic mixture at any altitude and load condition. Apparently, from some of the other comments here, it actually does work that way. Drawing on the example of piston airplanes, they usually get their best "mileage" (most efficient speed-vs.fuel-consumption figures) at somewhat over 5000 ft. above sea level; 7000 to 8000 seems to be typical (for non-turbocharged, of course; turbos have a different set of rules because they make their own manifold pressure rather than relying on atmosphere). Mike

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>Then all of a sudden it dropped to >350-400.  This happened in the winter, a couple of months after >getting new tires.  

        I’ve tracked my mileage on my 1990 Camry sedan whch I had for 4 years, and found it varies from about 24-25 mpg in the winter to 29-30 mpg in the summer. I live in Chicago, btw.  I assume the difference is due to the gas additives they use in the winter, and also the fact that your choke is on longer.  In general, I found I got better gas mileage with the windows closed and the A/C on than with the windows open.         My 98 Integra GS-R has been getting 26-28 mpg in mixed driving so far, and that of course has been in the winter (bought it December 2nd).  Those of you with lower mileage, what RPM do you usually drive at?  I find myself usually staying in the 2000-2400 range, unless of course I’m on the freeway, where I hit 3500 at 70 mph (5th gear seems to be a 50:1 ratio).  Since this means 55 mph is 2750 rpm, one wonders if Acura thinks this is "cruising rpm" for this engine? Does anybody know?  I mean, should we be driving at 2700 rpm down the street?         Those of you complaining about 30 mpg, the car is rated at 25 city/30 highway.  Why are you complaining?  Buy a Geo.  :) Steve Yates SRT Enterprises http://www.xnet.com/~srt

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> EPA was 34 mpg, I got that in Iowa.  Went to Colorado and was seeing 45 mpg >driving out to Dinosaur and such from Denver.  Very odd.

Same here.  My GSR got 45mpg on a recent road trip in the mountains. I usually get 25mpg in the city.

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!> EPA was 34 mpg, I got that in Iowa.  Went to Colorado and was seeing 45 mpg !>driving out to Dinosaur and such from Denver.  Very odd. ! !Same here.  My GSR got 45mpg on a recent road trip in the mountains. !I usually get 25mpg in the city. not odd at all.  the air is thinner at higher altitudes; there’s less oxygen available (which is the limiting factor in car engine combustion).  so since you have electronic fuel injection, it senses less fuel is being burnt and injects less. in addition to getting better mileage, you should also be noticing your engine has less power available at any particular engine speed.  this is partly offset, however, by reduced drag.  (no joke – that’s why airliners fly at 35,000 feet, even though there’s not enough oxygen up there to breathe if the cabin wasn’t pressurized.  the effect is not as great at 5,000 feet, but it’s still there.) -D- — By US Code Title 47, Sec.227(a)(2)(B), a computer/modem/printer meet the definition of a telephone fax machine.  By Sec.227(b)(1)(C), it is unlawful to send any unsolicited advertisement to such equipment, punishable by action to recover actual monetary loss, or $500, whichever is greater, for each violation.

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->> I typically get around 25 MPG city and 32 MPG >> highway on my GS-R, and that’s driving at 5000 feet altitude (Denver, >> Colorado)…. >This makes me wonder whether a high elevation is supposed to be a good >or a bad thing when it comes to the gas mileage?  And why?  (This is a >honest question – I am interested.) >terv: Risto L. >This is a fascinating question to me too.   On a carbureted engine, one would >expect worse gas mileage at altitude because the thinner air demands a wider >throttle opening to get sufficient weight of oxygen to produce the same amount >of power (it is weight, not volume, that counts) and, since the carburetor is >jetted to produce a certain amount of fuel flow for a given volume of airflow, >you will wind up with excess unburned fuel (unless the carbs are re-jetted for >high altitude use).

The wider throttle opening reduces pumping losses (increases volumetric efficiency) which is one reason why unthrottled diesel engines get good economy, especially at idle.  You are right about the carb jetting, although some later carb systems were pretty sophsticated/complicated and probably had some means to compensate for atmospheric pressure.. >The Integra has computerized electronic fuel injection which determines the >amount of fuel to inject based on a number of factors being monitored, >including the oxygen content of the air.  Theoretically, it would reduce the >fuel flow to a proper stochastic mixture at any altitude and load condition. >Apparently, from some of the other comments here, it actually does work that >way.

Actually it has sensors to measure atmospheric pressure an d absolute manifold pressure and a computer which uses this data to calculate the correct amount of fuel injected.  It absolutely will get the best performance possible at any altitude. >Drawing on the example of piston airplanes, they usually get their best >"mileage" (most efficient speed-vs.fuel-consumption figures) at somewhat over >5000 ft. above sea level; 7000 to 8000 seems to be typical (for >non-turbocharged, of course; turbos have a different set of rules because they >make their own manifold pressure rather than relying on atmosphere).

Actually, the Cessna 172 (a non-turbo aircraft)  gets better fuel efficiency at higher altitudes up to at least 15,000 feet density altitude (the cruise performance table doesn’t go any higher than that).  This is true even if the same true airspeed is maintained by increasing engine rpm.  The pilot is expected to lean the engine properly to get these results.  (Computer? Computer? We don’t need no stinking computer.)   – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Mike

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Based on driving my Volvo on vacation trips, high altitude has a noticeable positive effect on milage.  Less wind resistance, especially if the temperature is warm or hot.  Also less horsepower. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Hi! > I typically get around 25 MPG city and 32 MPG > highway on my GS-R, and that’s driving at 5000 feet altitude (Denver, > Colorado)…. >This makes me wonder whether a high elevation is supposed to be a good >or a bad thing when it comes to the gas mileage?  And why?  (This is a >honest question – I am interested.) >terv: Risto L.

Response:

>As for explanations why gas mileage might decline: >1.  A change in wheel/tire combinations – bigger wheels and tires are heavier and >can sap mileage.  Additionally, changing to a different brand can seriously affect >rolling resistance, especially on cars with special tires like the old Civic VX >(can’t comment on the HX).  Also be very cognizant of tire pressure!

Also, if the overall diameter changes, milage will appear to change due to odometer inaccuracy.  And different brands of tires having the same nominal size can vary by 2% or more in rev/mile.

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> That’s about 21.8 miles/City and 31.25miles/Highway.  So average is about 26.5 > MPG.  I usually get 25-27MPG so your car seems normal.  But I have a lead foot > and drive 10MPH over maximum speed limit 99% of the time.  I have a ‘95 Integra > by the way.  

My 94 Integra RS 5-spd gets around 25mpg city. Haven’t taken it on the highway yet. -George

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: >The integra is a ‘performance car’  if you wanted 40 MPG you should have : >bought the low powered civic….I typically get around 25 MPG city and 32 MPG : >highway on my GS-R, and that’s driving at 5000 feet altitude (Denver, : >Colorado)…. :  Driving in Colorado you’re probably seeing slightly higher gas mileage than : at sea level.  Or at least that was my experience with my previous car. :  EPA was 34 mpg, I got that in Iowa.  Went to Colorado and was seeing 45 mpg : driving out to Dinosaur and such from Denver.  Very odd. :  With my ‘94 Acura Integra, I get about 20 mpg city driving, around 25 mpg : typical rush hour traffic, and 30 mmpg on long highway trips. :  to get 30 mpg, I have to be doing a constant 70 mph for 3 hours… I live in Denver, Colorado area and here is what I get: ‘94 Integra LS, used mostly for highway commuting – 31mpg(winter), 32mpg(summer) ‘95 Integra LS, used mostly for city driving – 28mpg (winter), 29mpg (summer) Also the gas in this area is oxygenated round the year. When I filled up non-oxygenated gas in another area of Colorado last summer, I got 35 mpg, mostly highway driving. — Khalid Aziz

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Hi! > I typically get around 25 MPG city and 32 MPG > highway on my GS-R, and that’s driving at 5000 feet altitude (Denver, > Colorado)….

This makes me wonder whether a high elevation is supposed to be a good or a bad thing when it comes to the gas mileage?  And why?  (This is a honest question – I am interested.) terv: Risto L.

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>The integra is a ‘performance car’  if you wanted 40 MPG you should have >bought the low powered civic….I typically get around 25 MPG city and 32 MPG >highway on my GS-R, and that’s driving at 5000 feet altitude (Denver, >Colorado)….

 Driving in Colorado you’re probably seeing slightly higher gas mileage than at sea level.  Or at least that was my experience with my previous car.  EPA was 34 mpg, I got that in Iowa.  Went to Colorado and was seeing 45 mpg driving out to Dinosaur and such from Denver.  Very odd.  With my ‘94 Acura Integra, I get about 20 mpg city driving, around 25 mpg typical rush hour traffic, and 30 mmpg on long highway trips.  to get 30 mpg, I have to be doing a constant 70 mph for 3 hours…

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> Hi, > I am just taking a pole to see what’s common for a 3rd generation > integra’s mileage… I seem to get less than 350 km on a full tank > during city driving and a little under 500 km on highway. > Anyone know what the fuel economy for 3rd generation integra is?

My 97 Integra GS-R could pull more than 420km on a full tank in city driving and more than 550km on highway. Your mileage seems a bit low. Maybe winter gas sucks. Tire pressure affects rolling resistance, so are your tires underinflated? I know it’s cold out there, but at least check your tire pressure monthly. Some people say that underinflated tires help traction in the snow, personally my experience doesn’t prove it. Keep the tire pressure close to the recommended values. — 1991 Isuzu Stylus XS handling by Lotus 1998 Audi A4 1.8T AWD Quattro Sport Go SUVs go!

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I get 25mph in my ‘95 Integra RS auto.  Used to get 27mph until they oxygenated the fuel.  

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->I also drive the 95 integra, and mileage I’m getting is very >disspointing,  I’ve been  trying to ease on the  gas…  but >not  difference..  like I said, 350 km during  city  driving >goes by fast..  but it varies from city to city..  I get 350 >in ottawa but about 400 in  toronto…  I just  expected the >little 4 banger non vtec would be a little more  efficient.. >How does the integra  mileage  compare to others?  I know my >mom’s 91  camary  can do 700 km to the tank of 50 L,  that’s >what I was used to I guess.. >my trips to/from  ottawa/toronto  is thru hwy 7, and usually >not over 110 km/h  (posted  speed is 80 km/h) but still, the >mileage is pretty sucky… >Anyone else with mileage input?         >p.s 1 US gallon = 3.3 L correct? >I too am similarly  disappointed with my Integra mileage.  I >have a 94 integra LS with about  112,000 kms on it.  It is a >5 speed with AC (which I very rarely use). >The best  mileage I have ever gotten was approx.  37.5 miles >per Imperial  gallon or 30 miles per US gallon.  I typically >drive at about 120 km / h (75 mph) on the main highwways. >The reason I find this mileage  disappointing  is because my >wife owns a 1989  Mazda  626 which  gets  noticabley  better >mileage! >A comparison follows. >                            Integra            Mazda 626 >Engine Displacement         1.8 litre DOHC  2.2 Litre SOHC >                                                                                                            16 valve        12 valve >Rated  Horsepower           140             123 >Transmission                5 spd manual    4 spd automatic >Driving distance on a > full tank of gas (km)      550             700 >Best highway mileage (*)    37.5 mpg        41 mpg >(*) under similar driving conditions >My expectation  is that the Mazda should get poorer  mileage >due  to  its  4  speed  automatic   tranmission  and  larger >displacement engine. >Have I missed somethign really basic here? >Any comments or thoughts would be appreciated. >Thanks! >Dean Hummel >Ottawa Canada  (great white North) >My opinions are my own.

The auto transmission probably isn’t too much of a penalty for highway driving due to the lock-up feature and the higher top gear.  (Its extra 150 lbs. won’t affect highway milage much either.)  The Integra is geared more for performance and has a higher performance engine. The size difference between the engines is almost totally irrelevant. Finally, the average highway milage is more relevant than the ‘best ever’ figure.  Do you have that data? I would expect the Integra to have the advantage in city driving IF both cars are driven at the same accelleration/braking levels. However, that isn’t too likely given the difference between these cars.

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >I also drive the 95 integra, and mileage I’m getting is very disspointing, I’ve > been trying to ease on the gas… but not difference.. like I said, 350 km >during city driving goes by fast.. but it varies from city to city.. I get 350 >in ottawa but about 400 in toronto… I just expected the little 4 banger non >vtec would be a little more efficient.. How does the integra mileage compare >to others? >I know my mom’s 91 camary can do 700 km to the tank of 50 L, that’s what I was >used to I guess.. >my trips to/from ottawa/toronto is thru hwy 7, and usually not over 110 km/h >(posted speed is 80 km/h) but still, the mileage is pretty sucky… >Anyone else with mileage input?         >p.s 1 US gallon = 3.3 L correct?

The integra is a ‘performance car’  if you wanted 40 MPG you should have bought the low powered civic….I typically get around 25 MPG city and 32 MPG highway on my GS-R, and that’s driving at 5000 feet altitude (Denver, Colorado)…. Jason – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I also drive the 95 integra, and mileage I’m getting is very disspointing, I’ve >  been trying to ease on the gas… but not difference.. like I said, 350 km > during city driving goes by fast.. but it varies from city to city.. I get 350 > in ottawa but about 400 in toronto… I just expected the little 4 banger non > vtec would be a little more efficient.. How does the integra mileage compare > to others? > I know my mom’s 91 camary can do 700 km to the tank of 50 L, that’s what I was > used to I guess.. > my trips to/from ottawa/toronto is thru hwy 7, and usually not over 110 km/h > (posted speed is 80 km/h) but still, the mileage is pretty sucky… > Anyone else with mileage input?         > p.s 1 US gallon = 3.3 L correct? > — > Edmond,

false 1 US gallon = 3.79 L 1 IMP gallon = 4.5 L To get from L/100 km to US mileage IMP mpg = 282.49 / (L/100km) US mpg = IMP mpg x 3.79/4.5

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> The integra is a ‘performance car’  if you wanted 40 MPG you should have > bought the low powered civic….I typically get around 25 MPG city and 32 MPG > highway on my GS-R, and that’s driving at 5000 feet altitude (Denver, > Colorado)….

To offer another positive experience: My 94 GS-R, with 70K miles, wider than stock tires (bad for aerodynamics and rolling drag), intake, exhaust, header, cam upgrade and cam sprockets still gets an average of 24-25 mpg around town.  In a recent tank full of mixed driving (and here in LA the freeway isn’t necessarily conducive to good mileage) I got almost 28 mpg.  On long trips on the interstate I still average over 30 mpg with average speeds in the 80 mph range.  On one trip at a steady 65-70 (pacing the U-Haul moving out here) the car averaged nearly 35 mpg.  Keep in mind too that I drive the car very hard usually.  The worst mileage I ever got was 21 mpg after a day of drag racing.  I’ve had friends get only 19-20 after a day of hot lapping a road course, but those are exceptional circumstances. As for explanations why gas mileage might decline: 1.  A change in wheel/tire combinations – bigger wheels and tires are heavier and can sap mileage.  Additionally, changing to a different brand can seriously affect rolling resistance, especially on cars with special tires like the old Civic VX (can’t comment on the HX).  Also be very cognizant of tire pressure! 2.  Spark plugs – yep, new plugs can make a difference – every 15k miles for copper plugs seems optimum but YMMV. 3.  Gasoline – as someone else mentioned, the winter brews usually kill mileage and cold weather seems to have similar effects too. 4.  Timing – actually, this should read general state of tune and would include things like air filter, fuel filter, catalytic converter, etc. Hope this sheds some light.  I have corrected mileage deficiencies by checking many of the above on various cars. Cheers,     SFC

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->I also drive the 95 integra, and mileage I’m getting is very >disspointing,  I’ve been  trying to ease on the  gas…  but >not  difference..  like I said, 350 km during  city  driving >goes by fast..  but it varies from city to city..  I get 350 >in ottawa but about 400 in  toronto…  I just  expected the >little 4 banger non vtec would be a little more  efficient.. >How does the integra  mileage  compare to others?  I know my >mom’s 91  camary  can do 700 km to the tank of 50 L,  that’s >what I was used to I guess.. >my trips to/from  ottawa/toronto  is thru hwy 7, and usually >not over 110 km/h  (posted  speed is 80 km/h) but still, the >mileage is pretty sucky… >Anyone else with mileage input?         >p.s 1 US gallon = 3.3 L correct?

I too am similarly  disappointed with my Integra mileage.  I have a 94 integra LS with about  112,000 kms on it.  It is a 5 speed with AC (which I very rarely use). The best  mileage I have ever gotten was approx.  37.5 miles per Imperial  gallon or 30 miles per US gallon.  I typically drive at about 120 km / h (75 mph) on the main highwways. The reason I find this mileage  disappointing  is because my wife owns a 1989  Mazda  626 which  gets  noticabley  better mileage! A comparison follows.                             Integra            Mazda 626 Engine Displacement         1.8 litre DOHC  2.2 Litre SOHC                                                                                                                 16 valve        12 valve Rated  Horsepower           140             123 Transmission                5 spd manual    4 spd automatic Driving distance on a  full tank of gas (km)      550             700 Best highway mileage (*)    37.5 mpg        41 mpg (*) under similar driving conditions My expectation  is that the Mazda should get poorer  mileage due  to  its  4  speed  automatic   tranmission  and  larger displacement engine. Have I missed somethign really basic here? Any comments or thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks! Dean Hummel Technologies, formerly Bell Northern Research. Ottawa Canada  (great white North) My opinions are my own.

Response:

Hi, I am just taking a pole to see what’s common for a 3rd generation integra’s mileage… I seem to get less than 350 km on a full tank during city driving and a little under 500 km on highway. Anyone know what the fuel economy for 3rd generation integra is? Thanks in advance.. Edmond,

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That’s about 21.8 miles/City and 31.25miles/Highway.  So average is about 26.5 MPG.  I usually get 25-27MPG so your car seems normal.  But I have a lead foot and drive 10MPH over maximum speed limit 99% of the time.  I have a ‘95 Integra by the way.  

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I also drive the 95 integra, and mileage I’m getting is very disspointing, I’ve  been trying to ease on the gas… but not difference.. like I said, 350 km during city driving goes by fast.. but it varies from city to city.. I get 350 in ottawa but about 400 in toronto… I just expected the little 4 banger non vtec would be a little more efficient.. How does the integra mileage compare to others? I know my mom’s 91 camary can do 700 km to the tank of 50 L, that’s what I was used to I guess.. my trips to/from ottawa/toronto is thru hwy 7, and usually not over 110 km/h (posted speed is 80 km/h) but still, the mileage is pretty sucky… Anyone else with mileage input?         p.s 1 US gallon = 3.3 L correct? — Edmond,

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Had a similar problem with my 93 Civic.  The first couple of years I was getting 500-550Km/35-40L, mixed driving (once I got 950Km a tank on a drive similar to yours).  Then all of a sudden it dropped to 350-400.  This happened in the winter, a couple of months after getting new tires.   Took it to 3 dealers and they all said it was fine and that I should expect lower mileage in the winter because of wheel slippage.  I told them you can’t lay down 100 km worth of rubber per tank with a 1.5L. They quoted increased resistance due to cutting through snow.  I reminded them it snowed a dozen times the whole winter.  They said "alignment".  Made no difference.  Fuels system flush ($150CDN).  No difference. Later, I put Slick 50 Fuel System Treatment in the gas.  That improved my mileage a bit. I switched from high-octane gas to regular.  Another bit of improvement. I had a noisy power steering pump replaced under warranty (at approx 100000Km).  That made a big difference. Currently, my mileage is about the same as when car was new. Actually, oxygenator additives in winter gas, which lower pollution when the catalytic converter (cat) is cold, fractionally lower the actual carburant content so mileage should drop a bit. Things you could try to improve mileage, in order: 1. Use regular gas if that’s what your engine requires; higher octane resists early detonation due to higher compression in a performance (or dirty) engine but in a normal engine, it results in incomplete combustion (bad smell under accelleration means your cat is burning the fuel your engine should).   2. Clean the fuel system;  try Chevron Clean-Up (Wallmart) or the Slick 50 Fuel System Treatment (same active ingredient, just more of it.  Double the price too.) before going to the dealer.   3. Check tires for uneven wear; might need alignment.  Also, keep in mind that wider tires can also lower mileage. 4. Check engine for undue loads (in my case, bad power steering pump). Hope this helps you somewhat with this very annoying problem. Sorin – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->I also drive the 95 integra, and mileage I’m getting is very disspointing, I’ve > been trying to ease on the gas… but not difference.. like I said, 350 km >during city driving goes by fast.. but it varies from city to city.. I get 350 >in ottawa but about 400 in toronto… I just expected the little 4 banger non >vtec would be a little more efficient.. How does the integra mileage compare >to others? >I know my mom’s 91 camary can do 700 km to the tank of 50 L, that’s what I was >used to I guess.. >my trips to/from ottawa/toronto is thru hwy 7, and usually not over 110 km/h >(posted speed is 80 km/h) but still, the mileage is pretty sucky… >Anyone else with mileage input?         >p.s 1 US gallon = 3.3 L correct?

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