Sylvie Willis
A roof rack might be a convenient addition to your car, but it could be costing you a lot more than you think. The fuel economy of a vehicle is significantly impacted by the presence of a roof rack, with or without cargo loaded onto it. Studies have shown that removing roof racks when not in use can save up to 12% in fuel efficiency, translating to a considerable amount of money over time. So, if you're looking to cut down on fuel costs and improve your vehicle's performance, taking off that roof rack might be a good place to start.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel economy impact of roof racks | 2-25% reduction in fuel economy |
| Fuel economy impact of loaded roof racks | 6 times larger than anticipated fuel savings from fuel cell vehicles |
| Fuel economy impact of unloaded roof racks | 40% of anticipated fuel savings from battery electric vehicles in 2040 |
| Fuel savings from removing roof racks | $14 savings every 1000 miles |
| Time to remove roof racks | 10 minutes |
| Impact on vehicle aerodynamics | Significant |
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What You'll Learn
Fuel economy savings of up to 3 mpg
The fuel economy savings from removing a roof rack can be quite significant, and it is definitely worth considering if you want to improve your vehicle's efficiency and save money on fuel.
A study by Berkeley Lab researcher Alan Meier and Yuche Chen from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory found that roof racks, both loaded and unloaded, create aerodynamic drag, increasing fuel consumption. The study, published in the journal Energy Policy, estimated that in 2015, roof racks nationwide were responsible for an additional 100 million gallons of gasoline consumption, or 0.8% of light-duty vehicle fuel use.
The impact of unloaded roof racks on fuel economy was found to be far more significant than that of loaded racks. This is because vehicles often drive around with empty roof racks much more frequently than with loaded ones. As such, the study recommended removing roof racks when they are not in use to improve fuel efficiency and reduce unnecessary fuel consumption.
The findings of the study were supported by real-world tests conducted by Car and Driver and Consumer Reports. Car and Driver found that removing the crossbars from their 2022 Kia Carnival resulted in an increase of 3 mpg (from 25 mpg to 28 mpg), a 12% improvement in fuel economy. Similarly, Consumer Reports found that a 2019 Nissan Altima's fuel efficiency dropped by 5 mpg with just a roof rack installed, and a further 4 mpg with a roof pod attached.
By removing a roof rack, you can expect fuel economy savings of up to 3 mpg, which can result in significant cost savings over time. For example, with the national average gas prices, a driver could save $14 per 1000 miles when using regular 87 octane fuel. This equates to nearly triple-digit savings annually, based on average driving mileage.
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The ease of removing roof racks
Removing roof racks can help improve fuel efficiency, especially on highway trips. However, the ease of doing so depends on the type of roof rack and vehicle.
Aftermarket roof racks are generally easier to remove than factory-installed or OEM roof racks. Aftermarket roof racks typically clamp around side rails or door jambs and can be removed by simply loosening a few bolts. This process can take as little as 5 to 15 minutes once you become familiar with it.
On the other hand, factory-installed or OEM roof racks are designed to be permanently mounted to the vehicle and can be more challenging to remove. Removing these types of roof racks may require in-depth modification and could leave holes in your roof that need to be properly sealed to avoid damage.
When choosing a roof rack, it is essential to consider the ease of installation and removal. Some roof racks, like the Thule AeroBlade Edge, require the removal of multiple bolts, while others have systems that allow for quick and easy removal, such as the Rhino-Rack fit kit.
Additionally, it is worth noting that some vehicles, like golf carts, have roof racks that are specifically designed for those models and can be relatively easy to install and remove.
By selecting a roof rack that is compatible with your vehicle and has a user-friendly installation and removal process, you can more easily take advantage of the fuel savings that come with removing roof racks when they are not in use.
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The cost of leaving roof racks on
Leaving roof racks on your vehicle will cost you money in the long run. Firstly, there is the cost of the fuel itself. Studies have shown that leaving roof racks on uses more fuel. The exact amount varies depending on the vehicle, with SUVs showing less of a drop in fuel efficiency than sedans. However, in general, an empty roof rack can impact fuel economy by around 2-3 mpg, which is a loss of around 2-3%. This might not sound like much, but it adds up over time. For example, if you drive 1000 miles, you could save $14 on fuel by removing the roof rack. Over a year, this could result in triple-digit savings.
Secondly, there is the environmental cost. The increased fuel consumption caused by roof racks is about six times larger than the anticipated fuel savings from fuel cell vehicles and 40% of the anticipated fuel savings from battery electric vehicles in 2040. This means that leaving roof racks on could be hindering the development and adoption of more fuel-efficient vehicles.
Thirdly, there is the opportunity cost. By not removing the roof racks, you are missing out on the potential to improve your vehicle's performance and efficiency. For example, removing the roof racks can increase your vehicle's highway driving range, reducing the number of fuel stops needed on long journeys.
Finally, there is the cost of the roof racks themselves. While roof racks may be relatively inexpensive to purchase, the hidden cost is the impact they have on your fuel economy. So, while you may have only spent a couple of hundred dollars on the roof racks, leaving them attached could cost you thousands in the long run.
In conclusion, leaving roof racks on your vehicle incurs financial, environmental, and opportunity costs. To save money and improve your vehicle's efficiency, it is best to remove roof racks when they are not in use.
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The impact of loaded vs unloaded roof racks
The effect of loaded and unloaded roof racks on fuel economy can vary depending on vehicle type and speed. For example, a Consumer Reports study found that a 2019 Nissan Altima experienced a loss of 5 mpg with a roof rack alone and 9 mpg with a roof pod attached, while travelling at an average speed of 65 mph. On the other hand, a 2019 Toyota RAV4 showed no significant difference in fuel efficiency with a roof rack, regardless of speed.
The presence of a roof rack, regardless of whether it is loaded or unloaded, can impact a vehicle's handling and stability. This is due to the upward shift in the centre of gravity, which can reduce stability and affect braking performance, acceleration, and engine/transmission strain. Additionally, the added wind resistance from loaded roof racks can further impact driving stability.
From an economic perspective, leaving a roof rack attached when not in use can result in hidden expenses. For example, a driver could save up to $14 per 1000 miles in fuel costs by removing crossbars, assuming half of the driving miles are on a highway. Over time, these savings could amount to a significant sum, highlighting the financial benefits of removing unloaded roof racks.
In conclusion, the impact of loaded vs unloaded roof racks extends beyond fuel efficiency. While loaded roof racks have a more negative effect on aerodynamic drag, unloaded roof racks are more prevalent and result in significant efficiency losses. Removing unloaded roof racks can lead to notable fuel savings and improve vehicle handling and stability. Therefore, it is advisable to take the few minutes required to detach roof racks when they are not necessary.
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The effect of roof racks on different vehicles
The addition of a roof rack to a vehicle brings several benefits and drawbacks. While it increases storage capacity, it also affects the vehicle's performance, fuel efficiency, handling, and safety. The impact of a roof rack varies depending on factors such as the vehicle's size and shape, the type of rack, and the amount of cargo loaded. Here is a detailed overview of the effects of roof racks on different vehicles:
Fuel Efficiency
One of the most significant impacts of roof racks is the decrease in fuel efficiency across various vehicles. The additional surface area and height created by the roof rack disrupt airflow, resulting in increased aerodynamic drag or wind resistance. This forces the engine to work harder to maintain speed, leading to higher fuel consumption, especially at higher speeds. The impact on fuel efficiency can range from a 5% to 15% decrease in mileage, translating to increased fuel costs.
Handling and Stability
Roof racks raise the vehicle's centre of gravity, compromising stability and handling precision. The higher centre of gravity makes the vehicle more susceptible to tipping or rolling over during sharp turns or sudden manoeuvres. It also increases the risk of losing control when encountering uneven surfaces or unexpected changes in direction. Proper loading and weight distribution on the roof rack are crucial to mitigating these issues.
Height Clearance
The installation of a roof rack increases the overall height of the vehicle. This additional height can cause clearance issues in garages, car parks, low bridges, and tunnels. Careful planning and measurement are necessary to avoid potential collisions or damage. Knowing the vehicle's total height with the roof rack installed and checking height restrictions in advance are essential for safe navigation.
Wind Noise
The presence of a roof rack affects the airflow around the vehicle, creating turbulence and increasing wind noise, especially at higher speeds. The design, placement, and accessories mounted on the roof rack can exacerbate this issue. To reduce wind noise, aerodynamic designs, streamlined accessories, and noise reduction pads can be utilised.
Maintenance and Safety
Proper installation, constant maintenance, and correct usage of roof racks are critical to ensuring the safety of both the vehicle and its occupants. Improper installation, lack of maintenance, and overloading the roof rack beyond its weight limit can result in unwanted damages or safety hazards. Regularly securing and checking roof-mounted cargo can prevent potential issues on the road.
In summary, while roof racks offer increased storage capacity and convenience, they also introduce trade-offs in terms of fuel efficiency, handling, stability, height clearance, and wind noise. The impact of these factors varies depending on the specific vehicle and the type of roof rack used. Proper usage, maintenance, and removal of the roof rack when not in use can help minimise these negative effects.
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Frequently asked questions
Removing a roof rack can increase your fuel efficiency by up to 12%. For example, a car that usually gets 25 mpg can get up to 28 mpg without a roof rack, saving you $14 in fuel costs every 1000 miles.
Loaded and unloaded roof racks create drag, which reduces your vehicle's efficiency. Driving with a roof rack can cost you up to 25% more in gas.
Removing a roof rack is generally a simple process that can be done in about 10 minutes with basic tools. However, some roof racks are poorly designed and can be difficult to remove.
