2006-08-03 15:15:46 · 8 answers · asked by paul c 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Other - Cars & Transportation
I just took a trip from the south central - east part of the country to the northern Great Lakes states. My vehicle, an older dodge caravan, averaged about 28 mpg when I leaft! About 21 mpg when I was up there, and 24 mpg on the way back. While driving, I used the cruise control most of the way, except during heavy traffic, or in construction zones, I did not have my windows open, I used the AC sparingly (alternated between AC and fan), and I had it in for a full tune-up before leaving.
I have a few theories about the varying milage
A) Change in elevation - driving downhill the way north, and uphill the way back.
B) Cafe blends of gas and ethanol - if more ethanol in northern gas, it burns hotter and faster. And by the way, fuel is comparably more expensive up there due to higher taxes. If this theory is correct, then people in the northern states pay more for gasoline, and get much worse milage! This theory is partially collaborated by friends in the area who claim their vehicles don't get the milage they should.
C) At a toll on the way back, with window rolled down I noticed a squeel coming from the front driver's side tire. Had it checked out. Yup, breaks were going bad. I have no idea how long they were going bad, but certainly could've effected milage!
While having a clean car is sharp, I doubt having a bit of dust, or a couple of bird droppings will effect milage, compared to drastically changing the shape of the vehicle (such as driving with the windows down, or adding a roof rack with something bulky on top.
2006-08-03 15:34:00 · answer #1 · answered by gshprd918 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ok, here is the aviation answer. The layer of air within 1/16" of your car doesn't move. its called the Boundry layer. I can't really explain this that well but if you ask this question in the aviation section of this site I'm sure a pilot who knows this better than me could answer you.
This is also the reason dust doesn't really blow off your car when you drive. so your car being dirty has 0 effect on gas mileage or performance unless the dirt is caked on more than 1/16th of an inch.
2006-08-03 23:45:38 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You'll never, ever be able to calculate the difference in wind resistance of a clean vs. a dirty car.
2006-08-03 22:24:08 · answer #3 · answered by DelK 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Clean car is supposed to have less resistance, but you want really see any difference in gas consumption because there are many other factors that affect fuel economy more than aerodynamic.
For notable result, buy your next car that is more economical.
2006-08-03 22:27:09 · answer #4 · answered by svthech 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Clean air filter and good aerodynamics. Newer, smaller cars usually have better fuel mileage than older, bigger cars and trucks.
2006-08-03 22:20:43 · answer #5 · answered by Mariposa 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Makes no difference however if the engine is oily or extremly dirty it will run hotter, thus wearing more and causing a higher fuel consumption rate.
2006-08-03 22:21:31 · answer #6 · answered by hartnessracer 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I work on Drag race cars and unlimited Hydro Planes which are Boats we have testes different waxes on the bodies to find which one cuts through the air better does that answer your question Good luck Denny
2006-08-03 22:22:52 · answer #7 · answered by Denny O 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
wwwwwwwwaaaaaaaaaahahahahaha
Whats ya got a flying car...
Can i have a ride...
2006-08-03 22:24:18 · answer #8 · answered by Vulcan 1 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋