MythBusters: Does Drafting Semis Improve Fuel Economy?
 

If I heard the commercial right, next Wednesday's (6-6-2007) show will cover whether or not drafting a semi improves your car's FE.

should be nice. They've done a number of shows on fuel economy in the past. I think I'll set the DVR to record this one.

You heard correct. Now the wait for the "scientific" approach.

Yay! I love that show! Though I sometimes doubt their methods :rolleyes:

I hope they use a grapling hook....but wait, what'll they blow up? ;)

If I put my hand out of the window, drafting a lorry (semi), then the wind slows down a lot compared to driving on the open road. This is when following from many car lengths behind. Slower wind = less resistance = better economy, as far as I am concerned :)

Can someone youtube this - for us people not in the US who don't want to wait months to see it :)

I have to agree with you. Their scientific methods are often questionable.

it's still entertaining.

I'm certain that they will in fact draft so extremely close that the following vehicle should not be able to adequately cool itself - but much to Adams dismay, nothing will explode. :rolleyes:

its def. a true fact....drafting works.....but again...mythbusters uses a set criteria so it may be a lil' goofy....like they'll prob. try and show that you have to draft within 10 feet of the rig....but we'll see....I know it works but'll be cool to see how much?

Drafting might work if you want to drive the same speed as the truck, and you don't mind rock chips.

Where I live, trucks drive much slower than cars. I want to get where I'm going eventually.

MA4T