At low levels in the atmosphere wind is slowed down by friction. This force arises mainly from topographical features on the surface of the earth. Above the Planetary Boundary Layer or PBL, the bottom layer of the troposphere that is in contact with the surface of the earth, wind flows more freely and speed increases. We can actually take this example of a physical process and apply the principle to get better gas mileage!

Interested now?

Believe it or not it has been shown that a clean and waxed car can get up to a 7% increase in mileage, due to the fact that air can flow more freely over the surface. I know it doesn’t sound too impressive but it does become a real savings, even on just one tank of gas!

Let’s say that your car gets 25 miles to the gallon. After waxing and adding in the 7% increase, it now is boosted up to 26.75 mpg. Now let’s say your tank holds 15 gallons. Prior to washing and waxing you could go 375 miles before running out. With the added mileage you are now able to go 401.25 miles. This is a difference of 26.25 additional miles on one tank just because your car is waxed. You’ve just been “given” a free gallon of gas or put $3.50 in your pocket. However you’d like to look at it!

OK, now repeat… “WAX ON WAX OFF, wax on wax off, wax on wax off !”

…but, If you suddenly feel compelled to enter a karate contest don’t blame me.