Did you know that almost a third, equivalent to about 30%, of the fuel consumption of an average heavy truck is used to overcome air resistance? But there is positive news: there are a number of measures you can implement to reduce this impact and contribute to a more sustainable vehicle.

The role of aerodynamics and air resistance in truck driving and environmental impact

The understanding of drag implies that its relationship to speed is not linear. In fact, drag increases in square proportion to the increase in speed. At speeds up to 45 km/h, air resistance plays a minor role, but its influence becomes significant at speeds above 45 km/h.

Optimizing vehicle aerodynamics can be achieved in several ways, each with small individual contributions to fuel economy. Collectively, these improvements can quickly lead to significant reductions.

The height of the cab and trailer affects air resistance, while the angle of the roof also plays a key role. Integrating a roof spoiler can easily result in up to 20-30% fuel savings at higher speeds. For optimal effect, correct setting in relation to the dimensions of the vehicle is essential. Even a deviation of 5 cm below or 10 cm above can reduce the savings by many %. The most effective method is to have these accessories fitted from the factory or a professional builder. Side spoilers and side skirts can each contribute a further few % savings.

All external additions to the truck, including extra lights, kangaroo grille, air horn and decorative elements, all increase drag, and thus increases fuel consumption.

Although some accessories may be necessary under certain conditions, it is important to be aware of their impact on fuel consumption and consider alternative solutions.

The installation of an adjustable fifth wheel can also contribute to better aerodynamics, as the trailer can thereby be brought closer to the cab. The choice of wing mirrors and hubcaps can also affect the vehicle's drag, as certain designs are optimized to improve aerodynamics. If you frequently drive at high speeds, the investment in aerodynamic improvements can pay off quickly.

There are also specific measures to improve the trailer's aerodynamics. For example, reducing the distance between the trailer and the cab and using a trailer with covered beds can result in lower fuel consumption. Implementation of so-called vortex generators, which change the air flow between cab and trailer, and placed at the back of the trailer to reduce wind resistance, can result in extra savings on fuel and CO2 emissions of between 3-7% depending on driving conditions. The advantage of V-Spoilers is also that there is no maintenance, and they work as soon as you drive over 45 km/h

However, it is important to note that improvements in fuel efficiency are not just about aerodynamics. Not choosing the right tires or failing to maintain them properly can affect rolling resistance and therefore fuel efficiency. Today, choosing tires is no longer a simple task, as the market offers numerous options. It is crucial to know the right factors when making your choices, and we are happy to advise you on our advantages with V-Spoilers and aerodynamics. Find us at https://www.v-spoilers.com/site/frontpage or visit the webshop: https://vspoilers-inc.shop/