A roof box is a great way to add extra storage space to your car – especially if you’re going on a long road trip. But did you know that a roof box can also help improve your car’s aerodynamics? That’s right – by reducing drag, a roof box can actually help your car use less fuel and go faster! Here’s how it works…
1. The drag coefficient
The drag coefficient is a measure of how much air resistance a car experiences as it moves through the air. The higher the drag coefficient, the more fuel your car will use to maintain its speed. One way to reduce the drag coefficient is to make the car’s body as smooth and aerodynamic as possible. This is where a roof box comes in handy!
A roof box has a very low drag coefficient, which means it can help reduce the overall drag on your car. In fact, adding a roof box can cut your car’s drag coefficient by up to 34%! By reducing drag, you can save yourself a lot of fuel – and with gas prices constantly rising, that’s definitely something to be excited about!
2. The wind tunnel test
To test the aerodynamic effects of a roof box, a car is placed in a wind tunnel and its drag coefficient is measured. In the majority of cases, adding a roof box results in a decrease in drag – which means that the car requires less power to maintain its speed.
The wind tunnel test is a valuable tool for car manufacturers, who can use the data to improve the aerodynamics of their cars. But it’s also useful for consumers – by knowing how much a roof box can improve your car’s aerodynamics, you can make an informed decision about whether or not to add one to your vehicle.
So if you’re looking for extra storage space and want to help improve your car’s fuel efficiency at the same time, a roof box is definitely the way to go!
3. Install aerodynamic-specific crossbars
To make your cargo box even more Aerodynamic, you should try to give aerodynamic-specific crossbars a try. These crossbars are specifically designed to reduce drag and can make a noticeable difference when it comes to your car’s fuel efficiency.
You will be pleasantly surprised how easy it is to install an aerodynamic-specific crossbar system on your car and the benefits that you will see while driving. All in all, this is a great way to improve your car’s fuel economy.
These crossbars are designed to change the direction of the wind. When installed correctly, wind will be stopped from travelling underneath the crossbar and this will have a dramatic impact on the fuel efficiency. It will take the pressure off the cargo.
Signs That Your Roof Box is not Aerodynamic
If you’re using a roof box to transport items, it’s important to make sure that it is as aerodynamic as possible. This will ensure that the box doesn’t cause drag on your car and slow you down. Here are some signs that your roof box may not be aerodynamic:
1. Speed and acceleration decreases
If you notice that your car is not accelerating as quickly as usual, or that your top speed has decreased, this could be a sign that your roof box is causing drag. Similarly, if you’re using more gas than usual, it may be because the roof box is causing resistance to the air flow.
2. The box wobbles or moves around
If your roof box is wobbling or moving around on the roof of your car, it’s an indication that it is not aerodynamic. This can cause turbulence and drag, which will slow you down.
3. Wind noise increases
If you’re hearing more wind noise than usual when you’re driving, it’s likely that the roof box is causing problems with the airflow. This noise is a sign that the box is not streamlined and is causing drag on your car.
If you’re experiencing any of these signs, it may be time to reconsider your roof box. There are many different, more aerodynamic options available, so you don’t have to sacrifice performance for convenience. Talk to a salesperson at your nearest car dealership to find out more.
