Daily Fuel Economy Tip

Fuel Economy Tip - Keep Your Car Sparkling Clean

Now that winter is in full effect, it’s time to revisit one of the more popular posts on Daily Fuel Economy Tip, which is the idea that frequently washing and waxing your car will help you get better gas mileage.

With the exception of the country’s few mild areas (essentially the southern most areas of the United States), we have experienced a rather cold, snow filled winter.  While the white stuff is certainly pretty to look it, it can cause both a direct and indirect drop in your car’s fuel economy.

The snow and ice can directly effect your car’s fuel economy when you don’t clear it off of your car - which, of course, adds weight to the vehicle (causing gas mileage to drop by nearly 2%) as well as by making the car less aerodynamic.

Unfortunately, even if you do a good job of cleaning all of the snow and ice off of your car, it can still indirectly effect what sort of gas mileage you get.  Thanks to all of the chemicals, salt and sand that road crews use to clear the streets - and then subsequently get caked onto your car - your gas mileage will be adversely affected.

When your car gets dirty and is covered with all of that salt and sand, its gas mileage suffers due to the fact the car is now less aerodynamic.  Obviously, air travels best over a smooth surface, and when the stuff from the road gets onto your car’s paint, it makes your car’s surface much less smooth.

Now, in the grand scheme of things, the drop in gas mileage should be rather minimal, but since every little bit counts, it is probably best to get those chemicals off of your car as soon as possible.

Popularity: 14% [?]

Bookmark To

 Email This Post