A new study has found that drivers could save up to 25% on their fuel bills by making a simple change to their vehicles – and it’s something many people may not have considered
Motorists could slash their petrol and diesel usage by a whopping 25% simply by ditching one item, say top experts.
Car insurance experts at GoSkippy have highlighted that removing a car roof rack could make a significant difference. Roof racks are handy add-ons for cyclists planning lengthy journeys or holidays as the weather improves.
However, many drivers leave these racks attached to their cars long after their holiday is over, which can seriously impact fuel consumption. Experts are urging people not to treat their cars as “dumping grounds”, as weight plays a crucial role in how much petrol or diesel is used.
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GoSkippy elaborated: “The heavier your car is, the more fuel it consumes. Many of us might use our car as a bit of a dumping ground for things we don’t need immediately.
“By having a clear out, you can reduce the overall weight your car needs to propel up the road. This could be small things like rubbish and clothes or larger things like removing a roof rack when it’s not being used.
“Speaking of roof racks, one study found having a roof rack on your car may be costing you as much as 25% more in fuel! So, it’s worth thinking if it’s something you really need on your journey.”
The actual savings motorists can make by removing a roof rack will likely vary from vehicle to vehicle, reports the Express. According to Motorway, roof racks can affect fuel consumption by anywhere from 5% to 15%.
The car experts explained that the tool tends to expand the surface area on top of a vehicle, leading to a significant increase in aerodynamic drag and consequently more air resistance around the vehicle.
To combat this, car engines are forced to work harder to keep up the same speed, which results in higher fuel consumption.
Motorway elaborated: “Increased aerodynamic drag forces the engine to use more fuel to maintain speed, particularly at motorway speeds.
“Even when empty, a roof rack can reduce efficiency due to its effect on airflow and increased resistance. With this in mind, it’s worth removing the rack when you don’t need to use it.”
