Empty Trunk Helps Save Fuel

2023 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-08-25 09:36

Intelligent loading of the car can relieve the holiday budget. With fully loaded vehicles with roof racks, the average consumption can increase by up to 50 percent.

By Heiko Haupt

Sometimes the only thing missing is the sofa on the roof: Those who drive on the autobahn in summer often come across hopelessly overloaded cars on their way to vacation. But haphazard packing to the point of impossible is a waste: This increases fuel consumption enormously. On the other hand, those who hold back when packing and think a little relieve the holiday budget. In addition, luggage can also pose a security risk.

Do without roof racks

Every over-packed suitcase, every jacket taken to the Mediterranean as a precautionary measure is reflected in the fuel bill: According to the ADAC in Munich, a load of 100 kilometers corresponds to an average of 0.2 to 0.6 liters per 100 kilometers. A long road trip brings together a lot.

Equally important is the question of where the luggage is stored. If the trunk is full, other storage options such as roof racks are often used. “But it's best to leave the roof rack at home,” says Almut Gaude from the Verkehrsclub Deutschland (VCD) in Berlin. "The aerodynamics of the car goes completely down the drain with such carriers" - and with it the consumption figures go up.

Reduce wind resistance

According to ADAC information, roof boxes or roof racks and ski or bicycle racks can increase average consumption by 10 to 50 percent, depending on how you drive. "If three bicycles are transported on the roof, consumption can increase by four liters per 100 kilometers at a speed of 100 kilometers," calculates Gaude.

Those who absolutely want to take bicycles with them will put up with a certain additional consumption. But this can be limited: "If bicycles are transported on carriers, you should dismantle everything that offers additional attack surface," advises Marion Steinbach from the German Traffic Watch (DVW) in Bonn: Without a child seat and pannier, the bicycles offer less resistance to the wind.

Heavy down

Rear carriers are an alternative. "Basically, a roof rack increases consumption more than one at the rear of the car," says Sven Janssen from the Automobile Club of Germany (AvD) in Frankfurt / Main. In addition, the driver with a rear rack on the car does not have to worry about possible obstacles above the car - such as trees.

Roof boxes usually mean less additional consumption than conventional carriers. However, most of the luggage should not be stowed in it. “It is not advisable to load the wagon too much upwards,” says Steinbach: On the one hand, the sensitivity to crosswinds increases with altitude. In addition, the driving behavior changes. Heavy therefore belongs as far down as possible. "With a station wagon, you should ensure that heavy objects are placed close to the backrest."

Adjust air pressure

Safe stowage is important anyway. “The objects must not be lying around loosely in the car,” says Sven Janssen. With an emergency stop from 50 kilometers an hour, a CD becomes a dangerous projectile. According to Almut Gaude, the adjustment of the tire pressure to the increased weight should not be forgotten. Instructions are in the operating instructions and usually also on a sticker in the fuel filler flap. The specified value may also be exceeded a little - this is rewarded with a reduction in fuel consumption. (dpa)