Cars and Efficiency – Can Friction Really Make You Pay More on Fuel for Your Car?
| by Napoleon Miles | November 05, 2008
Yes, but friction is essential!
But first what exactly is friction? Friction is said to be the force that opposes motion. For example if you go skiing down a hill you move very fast downwards. This occurs because at the point of where your skis are touching snow there is low degree of friction. Instead you may find it very difficult to ski down a hill where there is no snow. This is there because where your skis touch the ground there is a high degree of friction.
Many regard friction as an enemy that makes you pay more on fuel for your car. However friction is also a friend that makes roads safe for you.
Your car can go out of control if the balance between steering it and the friction you are using to steer it goes awry. Presence of friction is essential for car driving.
The friction between the tires and the road gives you the grip to steer your car. Friction between the brake pad and the tires allows you to control the speed of your car. Imagine what would happen if either of these disappear when you are driving!
Friction is however not friendly for fuel efficiency. It is therefore true that it does reduce your gas mileage considerably and so more fuel is consumed.
As the car moves air friction also makes you use more fuel. Air friction depends also on the model of your car. Sport cars are designed in a way so air friction is reduced.
We want friction to be around but we just do not want too much of it. Anything that causes an increase in friction over what is required to steer your car safely is causing a waste of fuel.
But first what exactly is friction? Friction is said to be the force that opposes motion. For example if you go skiing down a hill you move very fast downwards. This occurs because at the point of where your skis are touching snow there is low degree of friction. Instead you may find it very difficult to ski down a hill where there is no snow. This is there because where your skis touch the ground there is a high degree of friction.
Many regard friction as an enemy that makes you pay more on fuel for your car. However friction is also a friend that makes roads safe for you.
Your car can go out of control if the balance between steering it and the friction you are using to steer it goes awry. Presence of friction is essential for car driving.
The friction between the tires and the road gives you the grip to steer your car. Friction between the brake pad and the tires allows you to control the speed of your car. Imagine what would happen if either of these disappear when you are driving!
Friction is however not friendly for fuel efficiency. It is therefore true that it does reduce your gas mileage considerably and so more fuel is consumed.
As the car moves air friction also makes you use more fuel. Air friction depends also on the model of your car. Sport cars are designed in a way so air friction is reduced.
We want friction to be around but we just do not want too much of it. Anything that causes an increase in friction over what is required to steer your car safely is causing a waste of fuel.
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