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Increasingly even the most technophobic amongst us hanker after more and more gadgets for our cars. For many people a car without air-con is unthinkable and shouts of "What no multi disc CD changer" can be heard up and down the car showrooms of Britain. Where there isn't standard equipment we now bring our own plug ins to the car be it sat nav, ipod or mobile phone kits. All of these items require electricity which means the engine is working harder just to power them. Before you all start switching everything off there are some things to consider.
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Right so back to those roof boxes, roof rails and cycle carriers. Driving with this stuff attached to the roof and boot when not required does not make you look like an outdoors type. Instead it messes with the aerodynamics of your vehicle and so reduces your vehicles fuel economy. When not in use remove them. That said there are lots of other things that add to the drag factor and saps energy from your car.
Manufacturers are doing their bit by reducing the weight in our cars. Some of us might not like it but the switch to space savers and puncture repair kits dramatically reduces the weight by removing the need for a full size spare tyre. Modern materials also reduce weight helping to improve official fuel consumption figures. Based on this information we buy these light weight cars and then promptly fill them up with junk. Save fuel lose weight. It’s that simple. Have a look in your boot and clear out what isn’t needed. Also take off roof boxes, roof bars and cycle carriers (more on them later). But how else can you reduce weight?
A clumsy right foot can lead to increased fuel consumption, increased component wear and the most erratic and uncomfortable drives for your passengers
So you’ve picked this great environmentally friendly car, might have cots a few pounds more but you’ve done your bit. Well actually all the manufacturers’ hard work by eager boffins can be undone by your gear selection and we’re not talking about those flares.
