Holiday Car Decorations Creates Aerodynamic Drag.


Yes, holiday car decorations creates aerodynamic drag.

GM found:

  • Antlers. Reindeer antlers and Rudolph’s nose create about a 1-mile-per-gallon decrease in highway fuel efficiency and a 3% increase in drag coefficient — commonly understood as air resistance.
  • Bow. A roof-mounted bow creates a 3.5-mpg decrease in highway fuel efficiency and a 15% increase in drag coefficient.
  • Christmas tree. A tree tied to a roof creates a 30% decrease in highway fuel efficiency and a 70% increase in drag coefficient. Air pushes against a tree with about 90 pounds of force.
  • Wreath. A grille-mounted wreath has no impact on aerodynamics but may reduce cooling airflow to the engine.

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Mark Addy