Common driving mistakes. Traffic fines in Germany. Vacations are a time to relax, explore, and create new memories. Many people choose to travel by car for comfort and convenience. A roof rack can be very useful for carrying extra luggage, especially when the car is packed. However, once the trip is over, it’s important to remove the roof rack. Keeping it on the car can increase fuel consumption, leading to unnecessary extra costs.
Many drivers forget about it
Even though a roof rack is just one part of a car, it has a big impact on the vehicle’s aerodynamics. The extra air resistance it creates leads to higher fuel consumption, which many drivers don’t realize. According to the German automotive organization ADAC, driving with a roof rack at 130 km/h can increase fuel consumption by up to 18% for petrol and diesel cars. For electric vehicles traveling at 120 km/h, energy consumption rises by 14% due to the added resistance.
Many drivers underestimate the cost of keeping a roof rack on their car. Over time, especially on long or frequent trips, these extra expenses can add up significantly.
Read also: Orange arrows on the autobahn: What every driver needs to know
Some people remove the rack itself after a trip but leave the roof rack holders attached. However, even these can impact fuel efficiency. According to the Belgian newspaper “Het Nieuwsblad,” roof rack holders alone can increase fuel consumption by around 5%. While this may seem like a small difference compared to a full roof rack, it still adds to overall fuel costs. Removing the entire setup after a trip is a simple way to save money in the long run.
The hidden costs of keeping a roof rack on your car
Higher fuel consumption directly leads to increased vehicle operating costs. If a roof rack increases fuel usage by 18%, this can result in considerable extra expenses over time. With current fuel prices, long-distance travel becomes noticeably more expensive. An additional 18% in fuel consumption could mean spending significantly more at the pump, and for those who drive regularly, these costs can add up to hundreds of euros per year.
One easy way to avoid these extra expenses is simply removing the roof rack once the trip is over. It’s a small task that takes little time but offers real savings by reducing fuel consumption. The same goes for roof rack holders—if they’re no longer needed, taking them off can make a difference. While they have a smaller impact on fuel efficiency compared to a full rack, every bit of savings counts, especially for frequent travelers.
While a roof rack is a convenient solution for vacations and road trips, it’s best to remove it once it’s no longer in use. Leaving it attached increases air resistance, leading to unnecessary fuel costs. Keeping the car as aerodynamic as possible is a simple yet effective way to improve fuel efficiency and save money in the long run.