The weight of your vehicle, the accessories you put on your roof and your use of air conditioning have a major impact on your fuel consumption.
WEIGHT
The weight of your vehicle directly impacts your fuel consumption. The greater the weight, the more fuel you need to move it. Heavy objects that needlessly take up space in your trunk or backseat should be removed as soon as possible as they increase your load.
AERODYNAMICS
Vehicle designers pay particular attention to the aerodynamics of various car models. Adding a storage or bicycle rack affects how air bypasses a moving vehicle and increases fuel consumption. It is therefore advised to remove these items after use. You should also keep in mind that the higher your speed, the more these items will affect your fuel consumption. |
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- Consider how easy it will be to install and remove bicycle or storage racks before purchasing them.
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AIR CONDITIONER
Aside from the weight and aerodynamics of your vehicle, another factor that affects fuel consumption is the air conditioner. In summer, using the air conditioner on the highway can be better than opening the windows as these hinder the aerodynamics of the vehicle. However, continuously using the air conditioner in the city is not advised.
- Lower the windows of your vehicle and use the ventilation system without turning the air conditioner on to keep the passenger compartment cool.
- If you have to use the air conditioner, be sure to close your windows.
- Turn off the automatic air conditioner and turn on the manual system, as needed.