With fuel prices rising and supply concerns making headlines, Australian drivers are being encouraged to cut unnecessary fuel usage wherever possible.

One of the most talked-about suggestions?
“Take your roof racks off.”

But how much of a difference do roof racks actually make, and is it really that simple?

Let’s break it down.

Do roof racks increase fuel consumption?

Short answer: Yes – with a heavy but.

Roof racks can increase fuel usage because they disrupt your vehicle’s aerodynamics. When air hits your car, it’s designed to flow smoothly over the body. Add a roof rack, and you introduce resistance – also known as drag.

• Increased drag = engine works harder
• Engine works harder = more fuel used

Studies show that roof racks can reduce fuel efficiency anywhere from 2% to 15%, depending on the setup.

At highway speeds, the impact is more noticeable, because aerodynamic drag increases significantly the faster you drive.

In real-world testing, simply removing crossbars improved fuel economy by around 12% on the highway.

Why the government is talking about it

With global tensions putting pressure on fuel supply, the Australian Government has started promoting simple ways to reduce fuel consumption.

That includes:

• Removing unnecessary weight
• Improving tyre pressure
• Taking off unused roof racks

Even removing a roof rack can save up to ~5% in fuel use in some cases.

It’s practical advice – especially for everyday drivers who don’t regularly use their racks.

But not all roof racks are equal

Here’s where the conversation gets more nuanced.

The data above often reflects:

• Older designs
• Boxy crossbars
• Loaded setups (bike racks, pods, tents)

A poorly designed rack can act “like a parachute,” significantly increasing drag.

But modern roof rack systems are very different.

The role of aerodynamic design

Today’s premium roof racks – like those from Tradesman Roof Racks and Wedgetail – are engineered with aerodynamics in mind.

Features like:

• Low-profile platforms
• Wind deflectors
• Streamlined aluminium designs

…are specifically built to reduce drag, not increase it.

In fact, more aerodynamic racks are designed to:

• Cut through airflow more efficiently
• Reduce wind resistance
• Minimise the impact on fuel consumption

Real-World Perspective: How much does it actually matter?

For most drivers, the difference comes down to how you use your roof rack.

If your rack is:

• Bulky
• Loaded with gear
• Left on unnecessarily

You’ll likely see a noticeable increase in fuel use.

If your rack is:

• Aerodynamic
• Low-profile
• Used regularly (for work or touring)

The fuel impact is often minimal, especially compared to:

• Driving habits
• Vehicle type
• Load weight
• Tyre pressure

In fact, heavy loads or poor maintenance can have a far greater impact on fuel consumption than a well-designed roof rack.

Should you remove your roof rack?

It depends on your situation.

Remove it if:

• You rarely use it
• It’s a bulky or outdated design
• You’re trying to maximise fuel savings day-to-day

Keep it if:

• You rely on it for work
• It’s a modern, aerodynamic system
• Convenience outweighs marginal fuel savings

A cheap or bulky setup can hurt your fuel economy. But a well-designed, aerodynamic rack? The difference is often negligible.

Built for performance – not just storage

At Tradesman Roof Racks, our systems are designed to deliver strength, usability and efficiency – without compromising your vehicle’s performance.

Because the best roof rack isn’t just about what it carries. It’s about how it performs on the road.