Having those bars hanging out in the airstream increases aerodynamic drag, which increasingly hurts fuel economy the faster the vehicle is traveling.
Our results with the crossbars removed equate to a highway driving range increase of roughly 60 miles and a fuel cost savings of about $14 every 1000 miles based on current national average gas prices., we were initially disappointed in our observed fuel economy. Speculating the crossbars installed from the factory, a $360 option, to be the culprit, we opted to remove them to see how much of a difference it made.
Even though the units fitted to our Carnival are shaped to be aero friendly, they still take quite a toll on its ability to slice through the air. This uptick in drag increases exponentially as speeds rise, so around-town driving will result in a lesser hit to fuel economy than highway motoring.The additional 3 mpg we gained after parting ways with our crossbars means a roughly 60-mile uptick in highway driving range, from 470 to 530 miles.
average annual mileage of 13,476. That's roughly enough to cover an entire year of a Disney+ subscription.
Me removing some body panels on my Lada to see if I can get better mileage.. 👇 I'll report back if I can get the thing started.
And that's why vans and SUVs often come with roof rails and not cross bars. If the bars are supplied, the EPA requires MPG testing with them installed.
Now imagine the mpg increase when you take memaw and her La-Z-Boy off the roof..
Wow that’s a lot. How about on a Model Y?
BAN ROOF RACKS!!