Wet Road Conditions & Gas Mileage

Reduce your speed when road conditions are wet for both safety and economy.

It takes three-quarters of a second to travel 60 feet at 55 mph, longer if the road is wet. Slowing down in wet weather may not just save your life, it may save you cash. The U.S. Department of Energy has done the math for you.

Fuel Economy Benefit

If gas is $3 per gallon, you pay 21 cents per gallon of gas extra for every 5 mph you drive over 60 mph. The benefit of slowing down on wet roads ranges between 7 and 23 percent, or a savings of 21 cents to 71 cents per gallon of gas. That's nearly $27 for a pickup with a 38-gallon tank.

Inclement Weather Tips

Water mixes with road oil making for unusually slippery conditions during rainfall. Hydroplaning occurs when your tires lose contact with the wet road. This can occur at speeds as low as 30 mph. Reduce your speed by one-third if the road is wet. If the speed limit is 45 mph, reduce your speed to 30 mph.

No Stopping on a Dime

It takes about six seconds at 55 mph to stop 302 feet. Stopping is made up of your perception of time and distance; your reaction time and distance; your vehicle's reaction time and distance; and how long it takes your vehicle to brake and the distance to do so. Distance is the common denominator. Slowing down allows for greater distance to stop your car in wet or dry weather.

References

• Consumer Energy Center: Speeding and Your Vehicle's Mileage
• Southern Illinois University: Total Stopping Distance

Resources

• Fuel Economy: Save Money Calculator