Supposedly going faster uses more fuel. But your getting to the place quicker. Shouldn’t you just be using the same amount of fuel as if you were driving slower and getting there later?

Question

Supposedly going faster uses more fuel. But your getting to the place quicker. Shouldn’t you just be using the same amount of fuel as if you were driving slower and getting there later?

In: Chemistry

Answer 1

Not only does going faster use more fuel, it uses that fuel less efficiently. Wind resistance increases with the square of speed, if you go twice as fast, all things being equal, you have to burn more than twice as much fuel.

Also, engines have a sweet spot, and rpm range where they work most efficiently. If you car isn’t geared to go 100 mph, then your engine will be operating outside of that sweet spot, wasting additional fuel.