Fuel Consumption Impacts Of Auto Roof Racks

The vehicle was equipped with an unloaded roof rack and driven at 43 5 mph 49 7 mph and 55 9 mph.

Fuel consumption impacts of auto roof racks. We estimate the national fuel consumption impacts of roof racks using a bottom up approach. It is important to understand these racks fuel consumption impacts on both individual vehicles and the national fleet because they are widely used. How often do you see people needlessly driving around with roof racks on their roof. Fuel consumption increased 2 6 2 and 1 1 compared with a clean roof.

Sure it might earn you some cool points from some crowds but leaving a bike carrier luggage pod or other cargo toting device on top of your car can impact your fuel consumption and by a significant factor too. It is important to understand these racks fuel consumption impacts on both individual vehicles and the national fleet. When the roof rack was loaded with a ski box fuel consumption increased 10 11 and 12 3 compared with the clean roof conditions. The after market roof rack is one of the most common components attached to a vehicle for carrying over sized items such as bicycles and skis.