Should you drive behind other cars diagonaly to save gas?

Question

I'm thinking turbulent air is a no no for aerodynamic efficiency, but does the highway's air actually move with the direction of traffic since the mass of vehicles is so massive? I imagine maybe it loops above the car masses as the cars push through. So I'm thinking there is maybe efficiency if you stick close to other cars. What do you think? What about behind big trucks? Not considering safety because this is just theoretical.

Answer 1

indeed, safety concerns make this point moot. But I think the efficiency of gas is not that much. In race cars though, at high speeds the lack of air resistance is significant for speed and it is an advantage to be right behind another racecar.(I think it is called drafting).

Answer 2

The effect you are describing is the reason geese fly in a v formation and why in many long distance bicycle races they race in teams. Someone told they knew someone who could keep up with a bus going 60 if they rode close enough ( a few feet from the bumper).

Answer 3

Drafting, like in auto racing would be an answer to air drag but it is also illegal & dangerous. You must leave "assured distance" between you and the car in front of you in case they have to stop suddenly. Like you said it is a theory but unfortunately not practical.

Answer 4

Disregarding the obvious safety issues, yes, there is some advantage in drafting. Even bicycle riders can ride with less effort by drafting, and they create much less wind than automobiles.

Answer 5

Well I think whatever you save will be more than offset by all the additional bills you will get from the body shop, the tickets from the police, as well as the increased insurance premiums, if you're still insurable.

Answer 6

No, what you're thinking of is called "drafting" and involves tailgating to reduce air-resistance.