New Myth Busters: Dirty Cars and Duel Efficiency - Page 2

DaGonz · 10-17-09, 02:41

UPS did an efficiency study on the effects of dirt as it relates to drag on their fleet of freighter aircraft. They discovered that it does make a difference.

A clean aircraft did use its fuel load more efficiently.

For a car or UPS delivery truck, it may not be noticeable, but when you are burning thousands of pounds of JP4 an hour, it does add up!

Of course, winter in the snowbelt can add a few pounds to a vehicles weight in the form of "fenderbergs" that form in the wheel wells of vehicles.

Krafcik · 10-17-09, 02:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcandiman

as interesting as this "myth" would seem to autopians mythbusters will no doubt disappoint. that show is all wind up and no pitch.

john force says that white paint weighs less than other colors and that is why his cars are mostly white. he is my favorite athlete

This is the same with the old Mercedes teams - they were silver (metal color)

For what it is worth - i believe chemical guys claim 7% better gas mileage with a clean car.

ten39 · 10-17-09, 03:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcandiman

john force says that white paint weighs less than other colors and that is why his cars are mostly white. he is my favorite athlete

He's a funny guy, isn't he.

I really miss his show, and I'm not much of a drag fan even.

JuneBug · 10-18-09, 12:58

I like Mythbusters, thanks for the tip - I'll make a note to watch. BTW - who knocked up the hot redhead?

detail1 · 10-18-09, 01:56

What channel network is Mythbusters on?

AeroCleanse · 10-18-09, 02:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by detail1

What channel network is Mythbusters on?

Discovery Channel

detail1 · 10-18-09, 03:32

Thanks.

I already researched it.

unleashedfury · 10-19-09, 12:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by JuneBug

I like Mythbusters, thanks for the tip - I'll make a note to watch. BTW - who knocked up the hot redhead?

Some lucky guy

Either way I find the myth to be fact. Dirty car creates wind resistance

Ever notice that car designers are making their cars sleeker than their primitive counterparts

Hell I grew up in the late 80's early 90's when we had the old box cars..

When the new models taurus,escorts,cavaliers and such came out I thought they looked like space ships.

But if you put a bunch of resistance on that sleek design. Whether it be dirt Grime, Grease, Mud, it creates resistance to flow. requiring more effort to your vehicle to reach desired speeds. Might not be overly noticeable unless your driving through mudpuddles and covering it. But it should show a difference

yakky · 10-19-09, 05:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by ten39

He's a funny guy, isn't he.

I really miss his show, and I'm not much of a drag fan even.

Yeah, I really liked that show.

Mark77 · 10-19-09, 07:28

I would be very surprised if they notice any difference at all, f normally dirty..

bert31 · 10-19-09, 07:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark77

I would be very surprised if they notice any difference at all, f normally dirty..

I agree. Click and Clack were asked this question on their show and they said it would have to be a abnormally large bird taking a mutant sized dump on your car before you noticed even the slightest difference.

StadiumDetail · 10-19-09, 09:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by unleashedfury

Some lucky guy

Either way I find the myth to be fact. Dirty car creates wind resistance

Ever notice that car designers are making their cars sleeker than their primitive counterparts

Hell I grew up in the late 80's early 90's when we had the old box cars..

When the new models taurus,escorts,cavaliers and such came out I thought they looked like space ships.

But if you put a bunch of resistance on that sleek design. Whether it be dirt Grime, Grease, Mud, it creates resistance to flow. requiring more effort to your vehicle to reach desired speeds. Might not be overly noticeable unless your driving through mudpuddles and covering it. But it should show a difference

there is a huge difference from changing the vehicle's aerodynamics by body design and adding a little bit of dirt on the outside.

There will be no difference at all. At least nothing measurable. All consumer cars have less than ideal aero packages for one reason or another: price/looks/ground clearence/laws/etc. The drag induced by the air under, lets say an F150, is so terrible bouncing around the exaust, suspension, and axles that a little dirt on the top isn't going to make one bit of difference.

For race cars, lets even say an aero perfect model, they have other issues. Sure smooth paint will lessen the drag on the vehicle, but has anyone ever seen a race vehicle up close after the race? There is SO much garbage collected over the entire vechile that no matter what treatment you gave it prior to race time it was negated after the first lap. And I doubt any LSP is going to stop 250 degree rubber from sticking to the paint @ 200mph, so protection doesn't really matter either.