First long distance freeway trip this weekend

[Daox]

I'll be going on my first long distance freeway trip in the Mirage this weekend. I am going to the upper peninsula of Michigan to see my dad for his birthday. Typically we would take our 2004 Prius, but my wife is staying home to attend a church conference. So, it will be me and the Mirage and 200 miles of road to cover.

In preparation for the trip I hope to:
- Get a new air filter installed
- Get the oil and filter changed (first time since purchasing the car!)
- Air up the tires nice and good, probably 50 psi
- Throw on a quick make shift warm air intake (WAI)

I really wanted to get to installing an air dam on the car, but I don't think I'll have time for that since I leave on Friday night after work. I am really looking forward to seeing how the Mirage does on a longer trip as 99% of the time I've just running it around town or commuting to work. Other than this trip, my longest trip was bringing it home from Chicago.

If you guys have any other suggestions to get ready for the trip and maybe eek out a bit more mileage, I'm all ears.

[Cobrajet]

Good luck with the trip! My Mirage has 103,000 miles on it, and I'd say about 130 miles of that are freeway. Only about TEN of those 130 freeway miles were put on me.

When I bought the car it had to be brought down to me by my dealership from another dealership 120 miles away!

The very definition of a 'city car'.

[timw4mail]

Good luck with the trip! My Mirage has 103,000 miles on it, and I'd say about 130 miles of that are freeway. Only about TEN of those 130 freeway miles were put on me.

When I bought the car it had to be brought down to me by my dealership from another dealership 120 miles away!

The very definition of a 'city car'.

I drive too far to work...so I've driven on the freeway more than not. Switching to LED headlights seems to have helped a little with keeping the alternator calmer.

Beyond that, tire pressure definitely helps.

[Fummins]

Make sure your spare is aired up too.

[Eggman]

Slow down and take your time. Speed might be the biggest influence on fuel consumption.

You'll see it on your trip. Start by keeping up with traffic to establish a MID-A MPG reading. Then slow down and watch your MPGs start to climb.

Guaranteed results.

[stevedmc]

200 miles? First oil change? That's cute.

[Daox]

I used to have a long commute. I know some people really enjoy it. However, I find it to be an absolute waste of life. As much as I enjoy cars and driving, having a long daily commute sounds horrible to me. I used to have a 38 mile (one way) commute and I hated it. I spent 1.5 hours a day just sitting in my car. No thank you. I have much better and enjoyable things to do in life than be required to sit for hours a day in a car just to make ends meet.

[stevedmc]

I get paid for my commute.

Just did another routine 200 miles today. Tomorrow is probably going to be about 400 miles.

Glad your rare 200 mile drive went without incident. Lol

[Fummins]

I get paid for my commute.

Just did another routine 200 miles today. Tomorrow is probably going to be about 400 miles.

I'm proud of you!

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[Pryme]

I'm proud of you!

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I agree. He deserves the snarky cookie award.