Nice Tip! Save over one-third on your gasoline bill: remove the bike rack | Conicelli Autoplex

CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. - July 25, 2013 - PRLog -- The modern family sedan is a technological wonder, capable of fuel efficiency that was unheard of only a few years ago. Small cars and hybrids regularly get over 50 miles per gallon; 35 MPG at highway speed is becoming common, even in full-size sedans.

A large part of the reason for such high MPG numbers is aerodynamics, the way the shape of the car lets it flow easily through the air. There's a good reason that cars are typically the same shape: a teardrop shape, or as close to that as the designers can make it, is the most efficient shape to go through the air. Jagged edges mean lower MPG.

There's a real problem, though, if you change that car's carefully planned shape. It's known that just opening all of your windows at highway speed can cost you several miles per gallon compared to using your air conditioner with all of the windows closed.

But nothing affects aerodynamics like adding carriers and bike racks, especially on the top of the car. It's common sense, but it hadn't actually been studied in a scientific way. Now Consumer Reports (http://news.consumerreports.org/cars/2013/07/tests-show-b...) has performed tests on how adding carriers and racks affect highway fuel economy.

In their tests, for example, a four-cylinder 2013 Honda Accord LX was found to get 42 miles per gallon at 65 miles per hour. When they added a rooftop bike rack (bare, without a bike), it dropped to 37 mpg. Surprisingly, adding a wind deflector decreased it further, to 35 mpg. Add two bikes and the mileage really tanked, dropping to 27. That means about a third of the fuel was being used to carry the two bikes!

The lesson is clear: when you're done using a top-mounted carrier or bike rack, remove it, especially if you're driving at highway speeds. You'll definitely increase your fuel economy and save money on gas.

And while you're in a fuel-saving mood, check that your tire pressure is correct. It's often overlooked and is another easy way to increase both fuel efficiency and safety.

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Nice Tip! is a series of articles on car-oriented topics, especially the brands sold by Conicelli Autoplex (http://www.conicelliautoplex.com) in Conshohocken and Springfield, Pennsylvania. We sell new Honda, Hyundai, Nissan, Scion, and Toyota vehicles and used vehicles of all makes. We're a Nice Place To Do Business! Call 1-888-Conicelli or visit Conicelli.com.

About Conicelli Autoplex

Conicelli Autoplex (http://www.conicelliautoplex.com) is a family-owned new- and used-car dealership group with dealerships near Philadelphia in Conshohocken and Springfield, PA selling new and used Honda, Hyundai, Nissan, Toyota, and Scion vehicles. Conicelli Autoplex is the fifth-largest new-car internet dealership in the nation, according to Wards' Auto's E-Dealer 100, April 2013 issue.