Excess weight in vehicles, such as a full-sized spare tire, can greatly increase fuel consumption, leading to higher costs and environmental harm. Alternatives like a tire repair kit can reduce weight. Roof boxes also contribute to fuel inefficiency, especially at higher speeds. Clearing snow and ice from vehicles before driving is essential for safety and fuel efficiency. Recommendations for top roof boxes and ice scrapers are provided to help optimize performance and convenience.
Tips for Fuel Efficiency
Excess weight in your vehicle can significantly increase fuel consumption, resulting in higher expenses and negative environmental impacts. It has been noted that an extra burden of 100 kilograms can escalate fuel usage by as much as 0.3 liters per 100 kilometers. While this might seem negligible at first, the cumulative effect becomes substantial on long journeys. Regularly decluttering your car can therefore lead to meaningful savings.
A frequently overlooked contributor to vehicle weight is the full-sized spare tire, which alone can weigh around 20 kilograms. A smart solution for reducing weight is to substitute it with a tire repair kit that includes sealant and a compressor. This alternative, recommended by automotive expert Matthias Brügge, not only minimizes weight but also frees up space in your trunk without sacrificing safety in case of a flat tire.
The Impact of Roof Boxes on Fuel Consumption
Roof boxes are notorious for being fuel wasters. According to research, when traveling at 80 km/h, fuel consumption can rise by approximately 11 percent. At higher speeds, such as 130 km/h, this increase can spike to an additional 2 liters per 100 kilometers. If you find that you no longer need your roof box after your trip, it’s wise to remove it promptly to avoid unnecessary fuel costs.
Roof Box Review: Top Picks from Stiftung Warentest
The Top Roof Boxes as per Stiftung Warentest (as of 03/2020)
Best Overall
Best Value
Alternative Value Option
Best Safety Features
Good (2.5)
Satisfactory (3.5)
Good (2.5)
Good (2.0)
Good (1.7)
Good (2.4)
Good (2.4)
Satisfactory (2.6)
455 liters
405 liters
390 liters
430 liters
19.5 kilograms
17.0 kilograms
17.7 kilograms
21.4 kilograms
75 kilograms
75 kilograms
75 kilograms
75 kilograms
176 centimeters
181 centimeters
180 centimeters
195 centimeters
€750
(Amazon)
€390
(A.T.U.)
€646
(Autodoc)
€819
(Autoteile Immler)
€749
(Fritz Berger)
€390
(A.T.U.)
€646
(Autodoc)
€819
(Autoteile Immler)
Winter Care: Clear Snow and Ice
Accumulated snow and ice on your vehicle can negatively affect aerodynamics, add weight, and lead to increased fuel consumption. Therefore, it is crucial to thoroughly clear snow and ice from your car before setting off on your journey. This not only enhances visibility but also ensures the safety of all road users, preventing any accidents caused by loose ice or snow.
Top Ice Scrapers Reviewed: Comparing the Best Models
Best Ice Scrapers Compared (10 Models)
Top Recommendation
Best Value
Battery Operated
Compact and Effective
Best with Broom
Hard Plastic
Foam
Hard Plastic
Hard/Soft Plastic
Hard/Soft Plastic
Hard/Soft Plastic
Foam
Foam
Hard Plastic
Foam
Hard Plastic
Hard Plastic
Hard Plastic
Hard Plastic
Brass
Hard Plastic
Hard Plastic
Hard Plastic
Hard Plastic
10 cm
10 cm
10 cm
9 cm
12 cm
9 cm
9 cm
9.5 cm
8.5 cm
11.5 cm
15 cm
12 cm
–
13 cm
25 cm
13 cm
12 cm
10 cm
26 cm
12 cm
Ice Breaker, Modular Handle, Squeegee, Hanging Loop
Ice Breaker, Hanging Loop
Replaceable Blade
Ice Breaker, Hanging Loop
Ice Breaker, Squeegee, Hanging Loop
Ice Breaker, Hanging Loop