Drivers given tips to save up to 25 percent on fuel by 'reducing drag'

Petrol and diesel car owners have been advised they could reduce their fuel consumption by a staggering 25 percent simply by removing one particular item from their vehicle this weekend.

CarShop's motoring experts have highlighted that car roof racks, often used to transport bicycles, can significantly impact a vehicle's aerodynamics. They cautioned that any extra attachments can "decrease aero-efficiency" and consequently increase drag. The experts noted that using such an accessory could lead to a 25 percent increase in fuel usage, which is a considerable concern for motorists watching their spending.

Furthermore, even when not in use, an empty roof rack can result in up to 15 percent more fuel being consumed. They elaborated, saying: "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.

"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 percent 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."

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They also offered a useful tip, pointing out that open sunroofs and windows can also cause unnecessary drag, advising drivers to only have these open when absolutely necessary to improve fuel efficiency, reports the Express. The advice comes at a time when many are feeling the pinch, and the added weight of heavy roof racks further exacerbates fuel consumption issues.

Specialists from BookMyGarage, the well-known comparison site for garage services and repairs, have pointed out that carrying heavy items could be detrimental.

They said: "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."

According to data from RAC Fuel Watch, the cost of petrol and diesel has been on a steady climb since the beginning of the new year. The current average price of petrol is now 145.45p per litre, up from just 140.5p as recently as January. Diesel prices have also seen a similar rise by approximately 7p per litre and are presently sitting at 154.13p since 2024 began.

However, there seems to be a slight ray of hope for motorists as the experts at RAC predict "no change forecast" in the upcoming weeks.

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