The Toyota Highlander is a versatile vehicle that is great for daily commuting and long road trips. However, when the gas tank reads empty, how many miles can you go before you need to call for help? Let's take a look below.
On average, you will have 35-45 miles left when the gas light comes on in a Toyota Highlander. However, this depends on your driving habits. For example, high speeds and stop-and-go traffic will drain the gas tank quicker.
The anxiety that creeps in when the gas light comes on is never a fun feeling. But, not to stress, in this article, we will explain how long you have until the Toyota Highlander is completely out of gas. In addition, we will give tips on how to make the most out of the remaining miles, so read on!
How Many Miles Can I Drive If The Gas Light Comes On In My Toyota Highlander?
The Toyota Highlander comes with a gas tank that holds 17.9 gallons of fuel. So when the gas light comes on, you have approximately 2.9 gallons of fuel left in the tank. This is equivalent to 35-45 miles depending on your driving habits.
Even though the Toyota Highlander gets 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, the miles you have left in the tank will change depending on how you drive. For example, if you are driving in stop-and-go traffic, you will use more fuel than driving on the highway.
The reason is that high speeds will burn through fuel quicker than lower speeds. In addition, stop-and-go traffic burns fuel fast because of the sharp acceleration and deceleration, thus making the engine work harder.
However, if you follow the tips below, you might be able to increase the number of miles you have before needing to refuel.
How To Get The Most Out Of Your Highlander's Gas
You can do a few things to help increase the number of miles you get before refueling a Toyota Highlander. These typically include:
Mapping Your Route
If you have GPS and know the location of your destination, you can plan by mapping out your route. This way, you won't waste precious fuel by driving aimlessly.
Use Cruise Control
One way to save fuel and money is by using cruise control. By setting the cruise control, you can help your car maintain a consistent speed. As a result, this will help improve your fuel efficiency.
If you can, set the cruise control to 55-65 mph. This is the sweet spot for saving fuel without sacrificing too much time.
Avoid Idling
If you are stopped for more than 30 seconds, it is more fuel-efficient to turn off your engine. When you idle, your car is still using gas even though you are not going anywhere.
Turning Off The A/C
When you use the air conditioner, it strains the engine, which uses more gas. You control the traffic, but you can control the A/C.
Dealing with a hot car is better than being stranded on the side of the road.
Turn Off Electronics
In addition, to the A/C, other electronics, such as your radio, can drain the battery. So when the car is turned off, and you are not using them, turn them off to save fuel.
Don't Accelerate Fast
When you accelerate fast, your car uses more fuel. To save fuel and time, gradually accelerate until you are at the desired speed.
Check Your Tires
If your tires are correctly inflated, you will use less fuel. This is because underinflated tires create more friction, making the engine work harder.
In addition, check your alignment and rotate your tires to keep them from wearing down quicker.
Don't Drive Up Hills
Going slowly and using lower gears is better if you climb steep hills. Accelerating up a hill will make the engine strain harder and increase fuel usage. If you can, plan a route that is downhill or flat.
Roll Up The Windows
We get it; we told you to turn off the A/C, but you should refrain from rolling the windows down. Having the windows down will increase drag and make your car use more fuel.
If you do all of these things, you will be able to increase the number of miles you get before refueling. Some reports state that you can push those remaining gallons of fuel to 58-72 miles!
Does The Toyota Highlander Require Premium Gas?
The Toyota Highlander can run on regular and premium gas, as long as it's 87 octanes or higher. There is a debate on which type of gas is better for your car.
Some say that premium gas is cleaner and will prolong the life of your engine, while others claim that there is no difference between the two types of gas.
For the Toyota Highlander, since it doesn't have a turbocharger, consumers don't have to use premium fuel. So it may not make a huge difference when it comes to which one will give you better gas mileage.
If you want to find out for yourself, you can fill the tank with regular gas and then fill it again with premium gas. Then, you can compare the number of miles you get between the two fuel types.
However, you need to make sure you do the same route at the same speed, giving you a more accurate comparison.
When Should You Fill Your Gas Tank?
Driving your vehicle below a 1/4 full gas tank can damage your vehicle. Not only does this cause debris to build up in the bottom of your gas tank, but it also puts extra stress on the fuel pump.
In general, you should fill the tank before it reaches 1/4 tank. This will help prevent dirt and dust from entering the gas tank and keep the fuel pump running optimally.
Accidents happen, and if you run your tank till the gas light comes on every once in a while, it's not the end of the world. Just make sure you don't make it a habit, as it will shorten the life of the components in your vehicle.
What Happens If I Run Out Of Gas?
If you run out of gas, you should make sure you pull over to the side of the road. Turn your hazards and leave them on such oncoming traffic during this time, so they know you are there.
You should contact a tow truck to come and help you get the car to a gas station. During this time, it's essential to remain calm and not panic. You can call a friend or family member for help if you feel uncomfortable being alone on the side of the road.
If you have cell service, check how close the nearest gas station is, and see if you can walk there. If not, wait for the tow truck to arrive so you can get your car to a safe location.
At any point, if you feel in danger or can't contact help, then dial 911. They will dispatch an officer to your location to help.
How Many Miles Can A Toyota Highlander Go On Full?
The Toyota Highlander is known for its fuel efficiency and can typically go up to 510 miles on a single tank. But, of course, this will vary depending on factors like driving style, speed, and road conditions.
Typically, you will get the best mileage when driving on the interstate with cruise control. However, if you go to the city, you can expect your mileage to be lower due to stop-and-go traffic.
Toyota Highlanders are also popular outdoor vehicles, so if you have a roof rack with gear, that will also affect your mileage.
Keep in mind that these are just estimates, and you may get more or fewer miles per gallon depending on how you drive and the conditions you are driving in.
To Finish It Up
Whether it's the Toyota Highlander or another car, it's not fun when the gas light comes on. It can be a challenge to find the right gas station and make sure you get there before your car runs out of fuel.
However, you can avoid this problem altogether with proper planning and driving habits. Consider investing in a portable gas can that you can keep in your vehicle.
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