Motorists could slash their petrol and diesel costs by up to a quarter by removing a single item from their vehicle. According to CarShop's motoring experts car roof racks, commonly used for carrying bikes, can significantly affect a car's aerodynamics.
The specialists warned that any additional attachments to a vehicle can "decrease aero-efficiency" and increase drag, which in turn leads to higher fuel consumption. They noted that driving with a roof rack could see drivers using up to 25% more fuel, which could be a substantial blow to the budget of motorists already feeling the pinch.
An empty roof rack alone can result in a 15% rise in fuel usage. The experts explained: "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."
They continued: "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% more fuel. Many may think this is due to the roof box itself but even an empty roof rack uses up to 15 percent more fuel."
Additionally, they offered a useful tip for drivers saying: "Having open sunroofs and windows can also cause unnecessary, by only having these open when necessary you can improve fuel efficiency.", reports the Mirror. In addition to their impact on car aerodynamics, the Express reports that bulky roof racks also have a negative effect on fuel efficiency due to their added weight.
Car repair and service comparison site, BookMyGarage, stresses the pitfalls of too much weight being held in your vehicle at all times: "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."
RAC Fuel Watch data showcases a rising trend in petrol and diesel prices since the onset of the year. Petrol costs have seen a substantial rise, currently averaging 145.45p per litre, a stark contrast from the 140.5p in January.
Diesel prices too have witnessed a surge of approximately 7p per litre since the start of 2024, with the current price painted at 154.13p. However, drivers can breathe a sigh of relief as RAC experts predict "no change forecast" in fuel prices in the coming weeks.
