Golf Ball Dimples for Cars — Honda Civic Hood & Trunk Mods for Better Efficiency

Idea 90,607

Back in 2009, MythBusters aired an episode titled “Car vs. Rain” where they tested the aerodynamic effects of adding golf ball-like dimples to the surface of a car. Surprisingly, they achieved up to a 12% increase in fuel efficiency due to reduced drag — just by denting the car in a dimple pattern similar to a golf ball.

Our Take: Dimpled Honda Civic Parts

Inspired by that experiment, we’re thinking about aftermarket Honda Civic body parts with golf ball dimples designed to improve aerodynamics and possibly fuel economy. Our initial offerings include:

• Dimpled Hoods
• Dimpled Trunks
• Custom-Order Doors with Dimples

These parts could be especially appealing to commuters and hypermilers looking for extra MPG gains without major mechanical mods.

Materials & Manufacturing

I’m exploring the use of fiberglass for its affordability and ease of shaping. But I’m also looking into cutting-edge manufacturing using dual robotic arm metal forming. This process involves two robotic arms pressing on a metal sheet from both sides to precisely form complex textures like dimples, without the need for expensive molds or dies.

Why Dimples Work

Golf ball dimples work by creating a thin layer of turbulent air around the surface, reducing drag compared to a smooth surface. On a car, this can lead to measurable improvements in efficiency at highway speeds.