Disconnecting Battery and Gas Mileage

Question: I am about to go on a cross-country road trip and was wondering if I disconnected the negative terminal to the battery for an ECU reset, will I possibly get better mileage?

Back Story on why I am asking:

I have been driving mostly around town and in traffic so my foot has been heavy and my mileage has dropped pretty significantly lately… I am hoping this will let the ECU learn a better algorithm - if that’s even a thing.

Also, any other tips you can recommend for a long road trip to make things go as smooth as possible?

As always, thanks in advance?

 

I wouldn't worry about trying to reset the transmission shifting logic.

As for a long trip, bring some extra snacks, fluids and a large bottle to pee in for emergencies.

 

I am not an expert nor I know anything about turning...but I don't see how your foot will all the sudden give you a new calibration curve..etc. What you need is a real ecu tune down to eco..mode and then you will see it. My 2c.

 

I plan to make most of this drive on highways with cruise control so that should alleviate the heavy foot issue. Lol

and there aren’t ANY ECU tunes for a 21 out yet…

 

It might actually get worse mileage if you do a factory reset. I would leave it alone.

If you're looking to get the best possible mileage, try to avoid putting anything on the roof. I realize this might seem obvious, but it's worth mentioning. I see about a 10% difference with my rack on, even empty.

Unfortunately, cross country trips are hard to save gas on, unless you don't mind spending a few extra hours driving slower. Dropping from 85 - 65 MPH, you can save about 25% in fuel (my experience, YMMV), but obviously that's going to add a lot of time over a long drive like that.

I've driven 1400 miles each way to Florida 6 times now. I've learned a little bit about what works for me. I try to get there without any long term stops. Here's what I do...

I take a vacuum insulated mug full of coffee, and a thermos with water. I don't drink soda. I keep snacks minimal, and avoid anything really salty. I don't drink the coffee until about an hour before I plan on stopping. Then, I refill it at the gas station after I fuel up.

It's good to walk around a bit each time you stop just to stretch.

After 3 or 4 tanks of fuel, you're going to start feeling weird. At this point, I try to stop somewhere for a sit-down meal. This has been a huge help with minimizing fatigue.

Another thing, super important: If you get tired, just stop at a rest area and take a nap. It's amazing how refreshing a 20 minute nap can be. Pushing it when you're tired is never good!

Be careful, and have a great trip!


Also; not sure where you're from or where you're headed, but definitely keep it under 85 if you drive through Georgia.

 

this is all amazing advice! Thank you very much. Unfortunately, the biggest one I’m going to face is the fact that we have a Thule XL skybox going on top of my goby rack for the strip, so that’s going to kill a lot of my mileage right there… I have noticed the difference between speeds is quite drastic, so I will make sure that I pay close attention to that. What about tire pressure? Have you noticed any difference with that?

 

I have experimented with overinflated tires and never saw a notable increase in fuel economy. Plus, the uneven wear and reduced traction make it even less appealing to me.

 

There's nothing you can do to improve mileage. Just keep chugging along.

 

There are a few things, as mentioned above. But, sometimes those things aren't an option.

 

Driver habits will make the most change. Most people are rushing to get home and cope with life.

 

Yes, exactly. Driving a long distance at 65 MPH takes a lot of patience, though!

Removing my roof rack when I don't need it has helped a good deal as well. If I were really ambitious, I'd take off the MT's and put my Toyo AT3's on whenever I wasn't going off-roading as well.

 

just did ~2200 miles between two trips and averaged 20.5 mpg. Gobi ranger rack with Maxtrax awning and cell booster. Avg speed was 65-70 used cruise control when I could.

Once on the highway, set cruise and clear MPG. After 10-15 mins, bump up or down 5 mph. Each rig will have its own sweet spot, balanced against driving style.

FYI (math warning) 2500 miles is 7.5 hours longer @65 but saves 208 dollars in gas@$5 (using my MPG) which is equivalent to paying yourself 28 hour for the extra drive time.

 

How much would that be for a 1400 mile trip? (One way)

 

4hours longer @ 116 savings

$0.34 per mile @80
$0.25 per mile @65

 

Awesome!! Thank you!!

 

Drive 60mph and you will see the best mileage you can get.

 

I like how you broke it down into dollars per hour. This might be the best motivation to drive slower that I have seen.

 

I've tried driving slower and it sucks. Sometimes its downright dangerous.

 

I suppose it depends on where you drive. But, I've had no issues going ~65 in a 70. I just stay in the right lane where I belong.

 

You can disconnect the battery and see what happens, not like it would hurt anything...
Bump up the pressure in you tires 5psi... since 4r tire pressure is 32psi i think so try 35-40psi it can't hurt to try