How Much Do Roof Racks Affect Fuel Economy?

  • 📰 CARandDRIVER
  • ⏱ Reading Time:
  • 50 sec. here
  • 2 min. at publisher
  • 📊 Quality Score:
  • News: 23%
  • Publisher: 51%

United States Headlines News

United States Latest News,United States Headlines

We found a 3-mpg increase in fuel economy at 75 mph after removing the factory crossbars from our long-term Kia Carnival.

Having those bars hanging out in the airstream increases aerodynamic drag, which increasingly hurts fuel economy the faster the vehicle is traveling.

Our results with the crossbars removed equate to a highway driving range increase of roughly 60 miles and a fuel cost savings of about $14 every 1000 miles based on current national average gas prices., we were initially disappointed in our observed fuel economy. Speculating the crossbars installed from the factory, a $360 option, to be the culprit, we opted to remove them to see how much of a difference it made.

Even though the units fitted to our Carnival are shaped to be aero friendly, they still take quite a toll on its ability to slice through the air. This uptick in drag increases exponentially as speeds rise, so around-town driving will result in a lesser hit to fuel economy than highway motoring.The additional 3 mpg we gained after parting ways with our crossbars means a roughly 60-mile uptick in highway driving range, from 470 to 530 miles.

average annual mileage of 13,476. That's roughly enough to cover an entire year of a Disney+ subscription.

Source: Financial Digest (financialdigest.net)

 

Thank you for your comment. Your comment will be published after being reviewed.
Please try again later.

Me removing some body panels on my Lada to see if I can get better mileage.. 👇 I'll report back if I can get the thing started.

And that's why vans and SUVs often come with roof rails and not cross bars. If the bars are supplied, the EPA requires MPG testing with them installed.

Now imagine the mpg increase when you take memaw and her La-Z-Boy off the roof..

Wow that’s a lot. How about on a Model Y?

BAN ROOF RACKS!!

We have summarized this news so that you can read it quickly. If you are interested in the news, you can read the full text here. Read more:

 /  🏆 576. in US

United States Latest News, United States Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Our 2022 Kia Sorento SX Had Its Dual-Clutch Transmission ReplacedAnd our experience with the local Kia dealer's service department only added to the headache. We are sorry that you have experienced this issue. Please DM your VIN and contact number and a member of our team will contact you. ^EW Kia Just Korean shitbox things Kia Next time, Alfa Romeo.
Source: CARandDRIVER - 🏆 576. / 51 Read more »

New Kia Pickup Spied In Korea Wearing Mohave Bodywork | CarscoopsThe ladder-frame pickup appears to be ICE-powered, coming with a dual-cab bodystyle and a hefty ground clearance
Source: Carscoop - 🏆 306. / 63 Read more »

South suburban couple is fit to be tied after Kia is stolen, ripped apartThe couple said the thieves tried to steal her Kia twice, failed, and ended up coming back. 'Fit to be tied' Where in the world is this new generation getting their education. What exactly is getting fit and what is getting tied to what?.. A couple is getting tied up to their KIA? Where did you study English Daley College? Posted 4x yesterday. Move ON. Posted 6x since yesterday, twice already this morning. Fresh content, PLEASE!
Source: cbschicago - 🏆 546. / 51 Read more »

Kia Shows Us Another Way Forward For Free EV ChargingKia is revolutionizing its EV charging services in both the UK and Europe through a strategic collaboration with &Charge, an inventive EV charging system that offers customers smart user engagement as well as rewards and added amenities.
Source: cleantechnica - 🏆 565. / 51 Read more »

More firearms found at San Antonio airport than ever in 2022The Transportation Security Administration found a record number of firearms in bags that...
Source: ExpressNews - 🏆 519. / 51 Read more »

2 students arrested after guns, marijuana found at Arlington's Bowie High SchoolTwo teenagers were arrested Friday morning after Bowie High School officials said they found two handguns and marijuana during a search of their backpacks. Just typical kid stuff
Source: FOX4 - 🏆 289. / 63 Read more »