Wind drag, bug deflectors.
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Wind drag, bug deflectors.
Is there any evidence to the effect that bug deflectors increase air drag thereby decreasing fuel milage? I am considering removing all unnecessary items that might reduce milage, bug deflector, luggage racks, etc.
J in VA '94 Ex
J in VA '94 Ex
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I haven't seen any specifics, but from a couple of different 'motoring' shows I have watched on TV, they say it does increase drag, sometimes by quite a bit.
Originally Posted by jwirth
Is there any evidence to the effect that bug deflectors increase air drag thereby decreasing fuel milage? I am considering removing all unnecessary items that might reduce milage, bug deflector, luggage racks, etc.
J in VA '94 Ex
J in VA '94 Ex
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From: Virginia Beach
J,
I'm not an expert in aerodynamics by any means, but I have a feeling that at normal highway speeds bug deflectors and luggage racks are not going to influence mileage all that much. My original equipment 98 Explorer luggage rack seems pretty streamlined anyway. I also have a bug deflector on my Explorer. I find that the utility of both far out weigh any gas mileage concerns. My luggage rack has come in handy many times on trips to the hardware store to pick up lumber, pipe, etc. I installed the bug deflector after getting tired of summer driving peering out at the highway through a smear of assorted bugs. Not to mention keeping them from chipping and staining the front of the hood. The bug deflector works well and has reduced these problems a lot. Me, I'm going to keep my racks and bug deflector and not worry about the drag.
JD
I'm not an expert in aerodynamics by any means, but I have a feeling that at normal highway speeds bug deflectors and luggage racks are not going to influence mileage all that much. My original equipment 98 Explorer luggage rack seems pretty streamlined anyway. I also have a bug deflector on my Explorer. I find that the utility of both far out weigh any gas mileage concerns. My luggage rack has come in handy many times on trips to the hardware store to pick up lumber, pipe, etc. I installed the bug deflector after getting tired of summer driving peering out at the highway through a smear of assorted bugs. Not to mention keeping them from chipping and staining the front of the hood. The bug deflector works well and has reduced these problems a lot. Me, I'm going to keep my racks and bug deflector and not worry about the drag.
JD
Last edited by 9explorer8; Apr 1, 2004 at 06:46 AM.
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JD,
You make very valid points. Yet I have never used my luggage racks and figure if I really need them, I can get them back on in a couple of minutes. I think I will wait and see what an intake kit from Ifab does for economy. I need a new air filter anyway!
You make very valid points. Yet I have never used my luggage racks and figure if I really need them, I can get them back on in a couple of minutes. I think I will wait and see what an intake kit from Ifab does for economy. I need a new air filter anyway!
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The bug deflectors do cause some strage things to happen. At 40 MPH on my 87 Ranger the aftermarket bug deflector caused the water from my windshield washer to go toward the front of the truck, not on the windshield. I could live with that, but the way it caused my aftermarket, western style mirrors to vibrate at high speeds is why I removed the deflector.
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I have a 99 explorer 4.0 SOHC with a bug deflector. I am getting 12-13 mph with mixed driving. I'm not sure this is normal and would like any input from similar situations. Wouls like to know if I should be getting more or not.
TF
TF
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I have a '94 4.0 Sport with bug deflector, luggage rack AND a sun roof deflector. I get 14 mpg city and 21 mpg highway. 
tomo805, I think you may have other problems. First thing I would check is your tire pressure. I run mine at 34psi.
tomo805, I think you may have other problems. First thing I would check is your tire pressure. I run mine at 34psi.
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From: Winnipeg, Mb. Canada
Originally Posted by jwirth
I have been running about 38-40 in my tires. Probably a little high. Last check, I got about 18 MPG mixed driving.
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Originally Posted by jwirth
True! If I could just keep those darn little bumpers in place that protect the paint.
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