I’m driving from California to Texas in my 2024 hybrid xlt for the holidays. Does anyone have advice on getting the best mileage or prepping the car?
Make sure the tires are properly inflated… The TPMS won’t trigger until below 30 psi, but 36 psi is ideal.
Fox said:
Make sure the tires are properly inflated… The TPMS won’t trigger until below 30 psi, but 36 psi is ideal.
Just a heads-up, I set mine to 43 psi for highway driving. Radial tires shouldn’t show excessive wear with that, and hypermilers have been running at 50-55 psi for years.
@Sky
I would never consider over-inflating my tires after seeing a tire explode on a minivan next to me. It wrecked part of the front bumper, a fender liner, and sprayed debris all over the road.
Sky said:
@Sky
I would never consider over-inflating my tires after seeing a tire explode on a minivan next to me. It wrecked part of the front bumper, a fender liner, and sprayed debris all over the road.
You don’t know the condition of that tire. It could’ve been worn out or had some other problem. Ford ships the Maverick with 45-50 psi and our hybrid’s sidewall pressure is 51 psi. Years ago, manufacturers used to recommend different tire pressures for better mileage, generally 5-6 psi higher than the standard.
@Sky
You’re right, I can’t know what state that tire was in. But that’s why it’s safer to just stick to factory specs. It’s important to remind people to check their tires, oil, and coolant before any long trip.
@Sky
If this is how you think, I really feel bad for you.
Sky said:
@Sky
If this is how you think, I really feel bad for you.
I don’t really care what you think, but if that’s how you live your life, then go ahead.
Sky said:
@Sky
If this is how you think, I really feel bad for you.
I don’t really care what you think, but if that’s how you live your life, then go ahead.
I just feel sorry for you, that’s all.
@Sky
UwU
@Sky
The tire in question was most likely UNDERinflated, which is a common cause of blowouts.
Sky said:
@Sky
I would never consider over-inflating my tires after seeing a tire explode on a minivan next to me. It wrecked part of the front bumper, a fender liner, and sprayed debris all over the road.
Most tire blowouts happen because of underinflation. It causes more sidewall flexing, which leads to heat buildup, and that’s what usually leads to a blowout.
Stick to 75 mph at most, and you should be good.
Palmer said:
Stick to 75 mph at most, and you should be good.
I’ve done a short stretch of interstate at above 75 mph and my mpg dropped, even on a small trip. Setting it to 75 and cruising seems to be the sweet spot.
For a 1800-mile trip? I’d be going as fast as I can. Even if you’re still getting mid-30s mpg, it’ll save you hours of driving.
Addison said:
For a 1800-mile trip? I’d be going as fast as I can. Even if you’re still getting mid-30s mpg, it’ll save you hours of driving.
I get a vibration around 88 mph, but keeping it just under that still gives me about 33 mpg.
@Kit
I just time travel at 88 mph.
If you’re taking the El Paso route, just put it on cruise at 78 mph and enjoy the ride (even if the view isn’t much).
Lower your steering wheel and push the seat as far back as it goes. If you pass through Midland Odessa, there’s a Mexican food truck there that’s almost as good as California’s Mexican food, so it’s worth a stop.
I drove from Washington to Branson, Missouri and back with zero issues. Had a plug-in cooler with sandwiches. It was a great trip and cost me $438 for the round trip over 9 days.
Stay under 75 mph and count how many F150s and Dodge Rams you see pulling over to get gas before you do, lol.