SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/extra-weight-mpg

How much can an extra 100 pounds of stuff in your car cut your gas mileage?

About 1 percent, more in a small car.

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The Just Right card

Too littleWeight never matters
Too muchEmpty the car before every trip
Just rightDon't haul heavy stuff you don't need

Huh, didn't know that: A large roof cargo box can cut highway fuel economy by 6% to 17%.

The dad joke
Why do elephants have trunks? Because they'd look silly with suitcases.
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References

Answer: About 1 percent. An extra 100 pounds can cut mileage by about 1 percent. Small cars feel it more than big ones. Unload heavy things you don't need.

  1. Fueleconomy.gov (DOE and EPA): Driving More Efficiently www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/driveHabits.jsp
    An extra 100 pounds in your vehicle could reduce your MPG by about 1%.
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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