In Reply to: i have been monitoring fuel consumption on my car ... posted by Christine Tham on November 12, 2004 at 14:47:55:
You are correct about increased fuel consumption and an added factor is that the rain is often accompanied by wind which further exacerbates bad economy.On a wet road the tyres have to slice through the water to the road and throw it out of the way, all of which requires more power so increasing fuel consumption because the accelerater is pressed down more to maintain speed. If anything, slightly moist air increases efficiency (some years ago gadgets which introduced a minute amount of water were touted) but not enough to be significant relative to the increased drag imposed by the wet pavement.
An important factor in all of this is the road surface. I'm guessing that the smooth concrete paving, so common in the US and Canada, is more prone to cause aquaplaning problems than the relatively course black top used here.
Just my 2c
John
Interesting times
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Follow Ups
- No, it is increased resistance - John C. - Aussie 14:57:47 11/12/04 (4)
- you could be right, however ... - Christine Tham 16:54:46 11/12/04 (0)
- Re:"...the smooth concrete paving, so common in the U.S. and Canada..." - Neil49 15:35:14 11/12/04 (0)
- Most likely . . - Grillcloth 15:27:51 11/12/04 (1)
- That could be another factor - John C. - Aussie 15:40:54 11/12/04 (0)