Hey Scotty Kilmer!
I've heard that driving 55 (90 km/h) mph instead of 60 mph (100 km/h) reasonable because
- a lot safer (shorter breaking distance)
- parts of the car become worn out faster (joints control arms and so on)
- more economical
What do you think about those arguments?
- a lot safer (shorter breaking distance)
Yes and no. You can stop quicker, but that only helps if you leave enough space between you and the car in front.
Also, the speed you drive needs to take into account traffic conditions. If you are the only one going 55 in a 70, then you become the hazard.
- parts of the car become worn out faster (joints control arms and so on)
You still have to travel the same distance. I think total miles/km are more important than speed when it comes to wear. The inside of your engine might even be cleaner if you push it harder. Scotty has always said that highway miles are better for a car than city miles.
- more economical
Yes. Power lost to air resistance increases exponentially with speed. That means the difference in fuel burned between 65 and 70 is much greater than between 50 and 55.
more economical
Not significantly. Cars are made to have the best fuel economy around these speeds.
a lot safer (shorter breaking distance)
But less safer and longer braking distance than at lower speeds. Always adjust the speed according to conditions on a road and your abilities.
parts of the car become worn out faster
Not due speed but the way you drive. Driving over speed bumps for example.
a lot safer (shorter breaking distance)
A 5-MPH difference in speed causes a car to stop with an approximately 18% longer distance if you increase your speed from 55 to 60 MPH. Every time you double your speed, you quadruple your kinetic energy. It takes around a football field to slow to a stop if you go 60 MPH, vs around 240 feet if you drive at 55 MPH.
- more economical
A coworker and I argued over this a couple times. Your car is at its most efficient when you upshift to your last overdrive gear and the torque converter locks up. That is generally between 45 and 60 MPH. My old Ranger had a 4-speed automatic, and it would shift into overdrive with torque converter lockup at around 55 MPH. My '14 F-150 with a 6-speed goes into 6th gear and lockup at 50 MPH.
I've heard that driving 55 (90 km/h) mph instead of 60 mph (100 km/h)
I'll go 60 MPH in my F-150 when the speed limit is 65, and stay in the right lane. The only time I've gone 55 MPH in a 65 was when gas shot up to $5.05 a gallon 4 years ago and I was driving my Ranger. People would still fly around me, even in the slow lane, so I increased my speed to 60 MPH in the right lane. After gas went back down, I still conserve it, like coasting down hills, etc.
Hey I know I'm not the Boss Man but I just gotta say:
Sounds like you can indeed drive 55, hehe! If your fuel pump blows out, you may end up being the least annoyed person on planet earth about it.
This speed demon can't relate, but your vibe is cool. I'm sure your car will love you for it, above everything else. 🚗 🚘 🍀
As it has been pointed out already, it can be a hazard on roads with faster speed limits. From my experience though, driving 55 will increase your gas mileage, and of course put less strain on the brakes, as long as you don’t drive like a maniac as Scotty would say. As long as you are on a normal county or state highway with a limit of 65, I would say go ahead.
