Cutting Your Fuel Consumption by Adjusting Vehicle Aerodynamics

Many consumers are overwhelmed by news stories covering the rapid rise of gasoline throughout the world. These stories highlight the frustrations of motorists who are driving less and trading in gas-guzzling vehicles without providing solutions. HybridMile will feature a post each Tuesday that highlights ways to cut fuel consumption as gas prices soar.

This inaugural post deals with the issue of vehicle aerodynamics. Most drivers try to play around with acceleration and braking during daily commutes without thinking about the issue of drag. The average car or truck is working against wind and air pressure during a high-speed commute. Each spoiler, roof rack and poorly constructed rear window contributes to decreased fuel efficiency by forcing engines to work harder. The Australian Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts indicates that wind resistance can increase fuel consumption by 20 percent.

The automotive experts at Edmunds.com recommend several steps for drivers that are concerned about poor aerodynamics. Families with high-profile vans and SUVS need to remove roof racks whenever possible to reduce wind resistance. Campers and cyclists that must have roof racks should find rounded boxes that can hold outdoor supplies horizontally to cut down on drag. Amateur racers and customizers should avoid spoilers that create drag as air flows over the rear window and trunk. The tendency toward wider and bigger tires by younger drivers makes vehicles wider which forces engines to use more fuel than necessary.

The simplest way for every driver to increase aerodynamics and decrease fuel consumption is rolling up the windows. Edmunds recommends that drivers keep windows down during city driving under 35 miles per hour to avoid engine strain due to air conditioning. Drivers should close every window as they hit freeways and country roads to decrease drag. The negative impact of air conditioning becomes the lesser of two evils once a vehicle exceeds 35 miles per hour.

These steps toward improved aerodynamics mean nothing without looking at the weight of the average family vehicle. Many drivers believe that they can load up boxes, golf clubs, school supplies and spare parts in their vehicles without negative repercussions. It is important for every driver to remove unnecessary weight from back seats and trunks to realize the benefits of improved aerodynamics.