how to reduce drag on 2007 honda Civic

[papaburger]

Hi all, I have a 2007 Honda Civic DX-G and I want to improve its aerodynamic.

I was reading about 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid and its aerodynamics improvements such as underbody panels, flush alloy wheel, a tiny rear spoiler.
I am not sure about the list. if anyone knows of other features , pls feel free to add to it.

I came across the term "vortex generator". How does it improve the aerodynamic and in this case a 2007 Civic ?

Also after I have done all the mod, how do I know the coefficient of drag has been reduce ? Do I need a wind tunnel test to find out ?

Regards
Danny

[Bill in Houston]

Search for vortex generator in the forums, and on the internet. There might be some automotive applications where they would work.

For aerodynamic mods, you could test them with "coast-down" tests. You can search for that too.

Gotta run...

[Hank Freid]

Gasoline-electric hybrid cars contain the following parts:

Gasoline engine>>>>The hybrid car has a gasoline engine much
like the one you will find on most cars. However, the engine on a hybrid is smaller and uses advanced technologies to reduce
emissions and increase efficiency.

Fuel tank>>>> The fuel tank in a hybrid is the energy storage device for the gasoline engine. Gasoline has a much higher energy density than batteries do. For example, it takes about 1,000 pounds of batteries to store as much energy as 1 gallon (7 pounds) of gasoline.

Electric motor>>>>The electric motor on a hybrid car is very sophisticated. Advanced electronics allow it to act as a motor as well as a generator. For example, when it needs to, it can draw energy from the batteries to accelerate the car. But acting as a generator, it can slow the car down and return energy to the batteries.

Generator>>>>The generator is similar to an electric motor, but it acts only to produce electrical power. It is used mostly on series hybrids (see below).

Batteries>>>>The batteries in a hybrid car are the energy storage device for the electric motor. Unlike the gasoline in the fuel tank, which can only power the gasoline engine, the electric motor on a hybrid car can put energy into the batteries as well as draw energy from them.

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/hybrid-car4.htm

Regards:
Hank Freid