Why You Might Not Be Getting the Fastest Route When Traveling in Utah
In a state like Utah with lots of mountains and hills, the most fuel efficient route and the fastest route may be two different things. Google maps has changed which one it defaults to and it may mean you are getting the slower option.
The Evolution of Google Maps Features Now Effects Your Drive Time
The directions feature has made getting anywhere so much easier and even if you know where you are going, opening Google Maps can keep you away from wrecks and slow downs. However, it could also be taking you the slow way.
At one point they introduced a feature that could show you the way to your destination that would require the least fuel. At some point Google Maps made this fuel-efficient way the default if the routes were similar.
Quick Fix: Adjusting Your Google Maps Settings
Most of the time this is a small difference, but in a mountain state like Utah the time between the two can be much more. For instance, it may choose the flatter route than one that is faster but travels up and down in elevation.
It is an easy fix. If you use the Google Maps app you can go to the settings and change the fuel-efficient option in the navigation section. If you search directions, pay attention to the route options. The one will a leaf next to it is the fuel-efficient one.
Read More: This Part of the Mountain Didn't Burn in this Utah Wildfire
This way you can compare the routes and choose a faster one if needed. This is good information to know if you need to arrive at a certain time. You don't want it directing you on the slow highway that rambles around the mountain in this case.
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