View Single Post
Old 07-12-2015, 01:44 AM   #6 (permalink)
Vman455
Moderator
 
Vman455's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Urbana, IL
Posts: 1,939

Pope Pious the Prius - '13 Toyota Prius Two
Team Toyota
SUV
90 day: 51.62 mpg (US)

Tycho the Truck - '91 Toyota Pickup DLX 4WD
90 day: 22.22 mpg (US)
Thanks: 199
Thanked 1,804 Times in 941 Posts
Quote:
Originally Posted by ThePrudentNinja View Post
I have wondered if there is a difference in fuel economy between a well waxed (slippery surface) car and a dirty car. I would presume there to be a difference but real life aerodynamics sometimes doesn't do as one would think.
According to Gary Eaker, who runs the A2 wind tunnel, no:

"Wax: Contrary to what you may read on your favorite message board, well-waxed, smooth paint is no more aerodynamic than the worst spray-can, flat-black primer job you can imagine."
__________________
UIUC Aerospace Engineering
www.amateuraerodynamics.com
  Reply With Quote
The Following User Says Thank You to Vman455 For This Useful Post:
Xist (07-12-2015)