California → Arizona · Interstate 5 (Golden State Freeway)
On heavy-rain or dense-fog days the Los Angeles, California, to Phoenix, Arizona, leg routinely demands well more than the 6h 27m estimated: Interstate 5 (Golden State Freeway) carries known hydroplaning hot spots and reduced-visibility corridors that justify dropping to 35 mph through a few short stretches. The outbound run covers 678 km (421 miles) over varied topography between Los Angeles (the second-largest US city and entertainment-industry capital) and Phoenix (the fifth-largest US city and capital of Arizona), demanding sharper attention on mountain descents and shoulder-less curves. Before pulling out, check brake-pad wear, tire tread depth, and washer-fluid level in the reservoir. Fuel spend holds near $56.67 for the 61.6 liters (16.3 gallons) consumed. Even in adverse conditions, the flat tariff of $0.43/km guarantees the standard outbound payout of $291.54 — log any incidental costs (extra toll, mandatory meal, emergency lodging) in a separate field on the Clara receipt.