Better Mileage by Waxing?

guest · Jun 20, 2005

I have always thought that a clean and waxed truck body should get better mileage because the wind resistance is lowered by the slick waxed truck body surface, but I have never seen anything that proves this is the case. Does anyone know whether a clean and waxed truck actually gets better mileage?

rode2rouen · Jun 20, 2005

I think any gain would be a number far to the right of the decimal point. I ain't no rocket scientist, so take that statement with a grain of salt.

I remember quite a few years ago that the kids running in the SoapBox Derby were covering their cars with graphite powder to decrease wind resistance. I don't think I'd want the stuff on my truck though!

Rex

guest · Jun 21, 2005

If push comes to shove, I may just have to coat the entire body of my truck with Lucas oil additive, which should have the twin benefits of greatly reducing my wind drag and allowing the deer to slide off more easily when I hit them.

Seriously, though, I did a few searches and found the following article on auto wind drag. It's pretty dull in places but highlights some interesting elements of aerodynamic design, such as how rough surfaces can actually be more aerodynamic than smooth surfaces in some instances by creating favorable turbulence conditions, suggesting that a waxed car may actually be less aerodynamic than a non-waxed car in some cases. So much for my theory.

http://www.mustangsandmore.com/ubb/DanJonesAerodynamics.html

Drluvv · Jun 22, 2005

I had(too lazy to do it myself) my truck washed, polished, and waxed to test out this theory of yours frisco, and I have to say that it works. I would usually get 8-10 mpg but after the wax job(hehehe) I'm not getting 45-55 mpg, its like I'm driving a Honda Hybrid, but I'm not. I've been from the East Coast to the West Coast and I'm not even on half a tank yet WOW its amazing.

guest · Jun 23, 2005

I think the mileage gain was probably the result of reduced truck weight after the dirt was removed from the exterior.

Drluvv · Jun 23, 2005

Probably, or because I stopped using Flying J Diesel.

Broompilot · Jun 25, 2005

I always say I am not gona spend the day waxing it after I wash it and sure enough come 3PM I just finishing up for what? Certinaly not more MPG or I would be getting that 45 mpg.

I see no difference other than I sware to myself on my first load offer when it showers in front of the new development. So much for polished alum. and not mention all the chrome. Should I say next truck wash next week!!!! I use to be able to keep my PU and cars spotless. This is trucking lucky if its clean for 100 miles..

Please someone tell me I am nuts for cleaning this so much.

simpleminded · Jun 26, 2005

hahahahaha funny ya'll... Ours gets a bath about every week.

check out the attachment

guest · Jun 26, 2005

Isn't that a picture of Broompilot's truck in the attachment? By the way, I have seen pictures of Broompilot's truck and I totally understand why he waxes it. It's a nice truck.

simpleminded · Jun 28, 2005

Unfortunately, there's 2 trucks with the same color graphics and looks... lol

i would say that broompilots is newer. really the only visible differnce is the sleeper size. ours is smaller.

ours gets a bath about every week and gets polished about the same.

our babygirls gotta shine!

my motto: a clean truck is a happy truck

simpleminded · Jun 28, 2005

but really, if you are going to buy a truck and spend that much money on one, why not keep it all squeeky clean & polished?

guest · Jun 28, 2005

I could not agree more with the clean truck sentiment. To me, the ideal condition of a truck is the way it looked and ran when it was brand new.

simpleminded · Jun 28, 2005

hey ya'll check this pic out i made... broompilots truck is on the right and bottom. mines on the top left... i call them the TWINS!

Broompilot · Jul 5, 2005

ALL RIGHT ALREADY, I will go wax it again.

I sure could not figure out how someone took a picture of my truck on Sunday June 19th looked like the Truck Wash just South of Bowling Green KY when I got it washed.

Had to look twice than noticed the mirriors are different, that truck has a fender mounted mirrior, and his NY sticker is centered mine is far to the left. Mine has the chrome around the grill and air intake.

PS I like the truck in the picture (both)

PSS thanks for the laugh.

The Gibster · Jul 5, 2005

We agree completely! If you're spending that kinda money on equipment, take care of it.

The real upside however is that I've heard your chances of getting DOT'd is greatly reduced when your truck 'looks' like it's maintained. We even touch-up the steering column shaft under the hood with black spray paint. It's the first thing the Arkansas DOT guy saw when we lifted the hood, and about 5 minutes later we were rolling after an actual pleasant inspection!

The Gibster