Fresh Coat=Better Gas Mileage

getright

getright

New member
Ok, this is long I know but here goes, I live in Falmouth, Maine. My brother (lives in Portland, Maine) and I are definitely autopians. My brother owns a gold/metallic 1995 infiniti J30t that is kept in top notch shape, generally three or more coats of carnauba at any given time. He recently needed some work done so when we went back home to upstate NY for easter, he traded vehicles with my father. This gave us a chance to give the Expedition (Black!! 2002) a full detail. After the usual prep & finish (wash,clay,wash, 2 step polish, ONR wash, 3 coats natty's blue over the next few days) the car was in great shape. My parents came up to Maine in May for a visit. My father drove the J30t up (dirty and hadn't been detailed) and required a fill up before he got to Portland. After visiting and seeing his beloved vehicle shine, my parents headed back to NY. My father generally requires a gas stop before he gets home (396 miles). This time he didn't. Recently my brother had to travel back to NY en route to NC (OBX) for vacation so we performed a full detail on the J30t (culminating in several carnauba coats), he too requires a fill up before he gets home. This time he didn't. That is why I am asking this question, IS IT POSSIBLE THAT A FULL DETAIL CAN IMPROVE GAS MILEAGE? I realize some of the logical reasoning, improved drag coefficient due to optimum surface condition. but has anyone else realized the same results? Is there any scientific data backing this up that anyone knows about? The positive implications for pro detailers is endless, especially in these times of high gas prices. If anyone else has any related info or thoughts please post.
 
Actually from everything I've read it makes no difference (including some wind tunnel testing). Driving style and weather conditions would be larger factors.



Its possible that they left late afternoon (warm) and traveled back at night (cooler); which could have an effect.
 
The difference in gas mileage would me microscopic at best. Density altitude, road conditions, proper tire inflation, and driving habits are more likely factors.



Of course, driving a clean vehicle does do wonders for one's psyche! :D
 
Theoretically a full detail can improve gas mileage but there are much larger factors that come into play while the smaller things just even each other out.
 
Good to see another Autopian in Maine... as for the improvement, it might be slightly better if you washed off a whole layer of dirt/etc (think muddin), but I doubt waxing would make a huge difference in mileage.
 
i think it's more likely that you're more relaxed when your car is clean and serene. i know when my car gets cluttered it stresses me out just a little bit. so i'm sure that affects my driving style to a degree as well.
 
themightytimmah said:
Good to see another Autopian in Maine... as for the improvement, it might be slightly better if you washed off a whole layer of dirt/etc (think muddin), but I doubt waxing would make a huge difference in mileage.
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Auburn, ME here :)



getright: I kept noticing over the years the fact that the better you treat your car, the better she runs :) This rule might be in effect here.
 
First off, whats up fellow maine-ahs, didn't know there were so many we'll have to compare rides sometime. As for the comments, I figured that this was impossible but one can dream can't he? As for driving conditions and style, my brother and father are avid cc users set at 75 religiously, the trip from southern maine to NY is mostly up hill due to the change in elevation so I really was starting to believe it. Thanks for snapping me back to reality. On another note, Big ups to AG for finally getting the complete menzerna line,
 
In theory yes, it is true. Similar to drafting in Nascar. Less wind resistance or any resistance means more gas mileage. But the clean car vs dirty car gas mileage has been tested many ways and it shows no better mileage.
 
too bad, what an advertising campaign that would be. Josh, congrats on the sea ray 310, sea ray is top of the line, do you keep it in fresh or salt water?
 
mythbusters.jpg




We'll get back with you on that! ;)
 
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