How Bike Carrier Fuel Economy Loss Is Calculated
A bike carrier adds aerodynamic drag, which lowers fuel economy and adds extra fuel cost. Enter your carrier type, normal fuel economy, distance driven, and fuel price, and this calculator estimates your real-world MPG with the carrier on and the extra fuel cost.
The impact varies a lot by carrier type. Trunk-mount carriers sit low behind the car and add little drag, while roof-mount carriers expose the bike fully above the roofline, creating much more drag at highway speed. On a long trip, the extra fuel cost can add up more than you'd expect, so it's worth calculating ahead and budgeting for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on the type — roof carriers create the most drag and can cut fuel economy by 15-20%, while trunk-mount carriers usually only cost around 3%.
Remove the carrier when not in use, avoid speeding on the highway, and drive at a steady speed to minimize the extra aerodynamic drag.