Petrol and diesel drivers have been advised that they could cut their fuel costs by as much as 25 per cent just by removing a simple tool from their vehicles this week. CarShop’s motoring experts have singled out car roof racks, typically affixed to vehicles for bike transport, as the major culprit.
They have sent out a warning that any extra add-ons can “decrease aero-efficiency” and increase drag. The experts have dropped a bombshell, saying this seemingly trivial accessory could sap up to 25 per cent more fuel while in use, hitting wallet-watching drivers hard.
Even driving around with an unladen roof rack could ramp up fuel consumption by up to 15 per cent, reports the Express. Their advice states: “Cars are designed to be as aerodynamic as possible, meaning they are designed to reduce drag but external additions can decrease this aero-efficiency and increase drag.
“Roof racks and boxes are common additions to cars but can add to fuel consumption as research suggests driving with a roof box uses up to 25 per cent more fuel.
“Many may think this is due to the roof box itself but even an empty roof rack uses up to 15 per cent more fuel.”
And here’s a handy hint – rolling with open sunroofs and windows can also lead to unnecessary drag. By keeping them closed when not needed, fuel efficiency can be improved.
Rock-solid roof racks add extra weight to your car, which makes a real dent in a vehicle’s aerodynamics.
BookMyGarage, specialists from the leading garage comparison site for services and repairs, highlighted how having heavier items could backfire.
They said: “If you have lots of heavy items sat in your car at all times, then you might be using more fuel than necessary.
“The less clutter weighing down your car, the less fuel you will need to power it. Be sure to remove any bike racks or roof boxes that are not in use – roof boxes increase fuel consumption and create significant wind resistance.”
Talking about current petrol prices, Simon Williams, the RAC’s head of policy, said: “With oil tumbling to its lowest price for four years, drivers ought to see cuts of up to 6p a litre at the pumps ahead of the notoriously busy Easter weekend on the roads.
“As long as the barrel carries on trading around or below the $65 mark, retailers will be obliged to pass on the savings they’re benefitting from to their customers on the forecourt.
“Petrol should drop from its current UK average of 136p to 130p a litre and diesel from 143p to 137p. If unleaded were to fall to that level, it would be the cheapest since summer 2021. Diesel hasn’t been that low since September that year.”
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