Car low average speed vs aero drag relation

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between average speed and aerodynamic drag in vehicles, particularly for drivers who primarily operate at speeds of 100-120 km/h. Participants highlight that average speed calculations, which are based on distance over time, can yield low averages (40-55 km/h) due to factors like idling and varied driving conditions. The consensus is that while aerodynamic drag becomes less significant at lower speeds, it remains a critical factor for vehicles consistently driven at higher speeds. The mathematical relationship between energy expenditure at different speeds is also emphasized, illustrating that driving patterns significantly influence average speed metrics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of average speed calculations in automotive contexts
  • Basic knowledge of aerodynamic drag principles
  • Familiarity with energy expenditure formulas in physics
  • Experience with vehicle trip computers and their data interpretation
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the impact of aerodynamic drag on fuel efficiency at varying speeds
  • Explore advanced vehicle trip computer functionalities and data analysis
  • Learn about energy expenditure calculations in automotive physics
  • Investigate driving behavior patterns and their effects on average speed metrics
USEFUL FOR

Automotive enthusiasts, engineers, and drivers interested in understanding the dynamics of average speed and its implications on vehicle performance and fuel efficiency.

Jurgen M
I drive car only at country roads allways at speeds 100-120km/h, no city and no idle time-heating engine etc.

Why computer allways show very low average speed , 40-48km/h?I allways have feeling that this speed is too low because I allways drive way faster then this. Indeed all my friends have low average speed, max 55km/h.

Math says this is same that you drive car at 40km/h all the time,so average speed implies that aero drag is not importnat, because drag is irrelevant at 40km/h speeds.

So how can we describe average speed/aero drag relation, can we conclude that car with low average speed don't need good aerodynamics?
Math says yes, but my logic say no, because I drive car mostly from 100-120km/h..

Is anyone here with average speed 100km/h or more?
 
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First of all what average speed? Of a trip? Since your last fuel refill? Since the first time driven (when the car was bought)?
My car measures average speed for a trip which is usually 900km, this roughly translates to 14 days (I reset trip when I refuel). Of course I cannot drive 900km for 14 days at 100km/h, so it's logical that the average speed will be way lower than that.
Average speed is usually computed with distance over time, I don't see what aero drag have to do with this simple calculation.
Have you tried reseting the average speed counter when you start doing 100km/h and read the average speed before you fall under 100km/h?
 
Jurgen M said:
Math says this is same that you drive car at 40km/h all the time,so average speed implies that aero drag is not importnat, because drag is irrelevant at 40km/h speeds.

So how can we describe average speed/aero drag relation, can we conclude that car with low average speed don't need good aerodynamics?
Math says yes, but my logic say no, because I drive car mostly from 100-120km/h..
No, it's not the same. If you drive 80 km/h for half an hour and wait at a red light for half an hour, you will not get the same energy spent as if you would have driven 40 km/h for an hour. It requires 4 times the amount of energy:
$$\frac{E_{80}}{E_{40}} = \frac{F_{80}d}{F_{40}d} = \frac{F_{80}}{F_{40}} = \frac{80^2}{40^2} = 4$$
And that is assuming the car is not idling and consuming fuel when at rest.
 
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Motore said:
First of all what average speed? Of a trip? Since your last fuel refill? Since the first time driven (when the car was bought)?
My car measures average speed for a trip which is usually 900km, this roughly translates to 14 days (I reset trip when I refuel). Of course I cannot drive 900km for 14 days at 100km/h, so it's logical that the average speed will be way lower than that.
Average speed is usually computed with distance over time, I don't see what aero drag have to do with this simple calculation.
Have you tried reseting the average speed counter when you start doing 100km/h and read the average speed before you fall under 100km/h?
My average speed is allways about 40,50km/h, last 800km,last 5000km or last 10 000km..
I didnt try that,but speed must then be above 100km/h..

jack action said:
No, it's not the same. If you drive 80 km/h for half an hour and wait at a red light for half an hour, you will not get the same energy spent as if you would have driven 40 km/h for an hour. It requires 4 times the amount of energy:
$$\frac{E_{80}}{E_{40}} = \frac{F_{80}d}{F_{40}d} = \frac{F_{80}}{F_{40}} = \frac{80^2}{40^2} = 4$$
And that is assuming the car is not idling and consuming fuel when at rest.
Yes that make sense.
 
Jurgen M said:
My average speed is allways about 40,50km/h, last 800km,last 5000km or last 10 000km..
My car has also the average speed from when it was bought till now, which is about 53km/h for 170000km. And it won't change much, because I use my car for driving in cities, conutrysides, when there is congestion, road works, highways, ...
To me it seems logical that it will settle around a particular average speed.
 

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