New member with idea and question
 

-Anybody have any thoughts on washing and waxing one's vehicle to help with aerodynamics?

-Anybody know what happened to the Honda Insight? Can you still get them?

-I get mid to high 40's mpg in my 2004 Honda Civic DX 5 speed: Window sticker said 32/38.

Q:Anybody have any thoughts on washing and waxing one's vehicle to help with aerodynamics?

A:I've always heard that a slick waxed surface lowers the coefficient of drag, thus helping w/ mileage. Don't have any numbers or facts, though.

Q:Anybody know what happened to the Honda Insight? Can you still get them?

A:In May 2006, Honda announced that production of the Insight would stop in September 2006.

-I get mid to high 40's mpg in my 2004 Honda Civic DX 5 speed: Window sticker said 32/38.

Sounds like you're off to a good start, and welcome to the board. :thumbup:

wdalton -

Welcome to GS! I've heard that airlines like to keep their planes spiffy clean to help the aerodynamics. Since better FE means less cost in jet fuel, they need every bit they can get. The difference in comparing the two is the speed of the plane versus the speed of the car.

I just looked up your car on the EPA MPG website :

2004 Honda Civic - Manual (5 speed) - 4 Cylinders - 1.7 Liters
https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/calcu...umn=1&id=19584

You can choose "Old School" EPA figures or "New School" EPA figures when you create a Garage entry for your Civic.

CarloSW2

Welcome, I'd say you're off to more than a healthy start :)

i washed my truck 3xs past year to save water use/electric pump. it looks nasty ;) time for a detail

Washing/waxing makes no difference.
https://www.gassavers.org/showthread.php?t=2745

Welcome to the site!