Most manufacturers work very hard to develop curves for the cars they manufacture that are good for looks. Many of us are enchanted by the new models of sport cars. These curves are also very important at skiving off air resistance. Wind tunnels can be used to check the effects of wind on your car. Nowadays there are also many sophisticated computer programs that can do that.

What is important is to be aware that air resistance makes your car less efficient and makes you pay more on your car’s fuel. The more you speed your car the more air acts like an invisible wall that hampers your car’s progress. The design of your car and the shiny polish the manufacturers apply on it are there to help overcome that resistance.

But if you are going at 55-60 mph and have a roof rack with luggage on it, air resistance will be very high indeed. The roof rack and luggage will act like a sail but in the opposite direction. Hence the efficiency of your car will be severely affected.

Therefore whenever possible keep the luggage inside the car. When not in use, keep the roof rack off and stored away at home. Of course it saves you fuel when it saves you a trip back just to get luggage, but otherwise, it is best to take along only what you need anyway.

Another accessory that acts like a little sail is your antenna! When you are not listening to the radio, tuck the antenna in safely so the friction created by the irregularity of the antenna’s surface against the wind does not waste fuel. Try this especially during the longer drives when you are going to drive on the motorways or expressways because the faster you go, the less you want anything impeding your progress and creating drag.

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