If you’ve noticed that you’re filling up the tank more often than usual, you might be wondering why.
One of the main factors influencing fuel efficiency is your vehicle’s aerodynamics how the air flows around your car.
In simple terms, the more aerodynamic your vehicle, the better your fuel economy, even when driving gas-guzzlers like SUVs or trucks.
Fuel economy is essential, so it’s in your vehicle’s and your wallet’s best interest to ensure your driving experience is as aerodynamic as possible. Below are seven easy and inexpensive ways to improve your car’s aerodynamics.
Remove the Excess
In physics, drag is the force that opposes a moving object and slows it down. In cars, drag increases with friction and wind resistance, so keeping your vehicle as smooth as possible and ensuring your tires are properly inflated can help.
The more drag your car encounters, the harder your engine works to maintain the desired speed, which reduces fuel economy.
To reduce drag, begin by removing anything that could be trapping air around your vehicle.
Car manufacturers design their models to be as aerodynamic as possible, so adding extra items can inadvertently slow your car down.
Items like roof racks, headache bars, bike racks, flags, and even a wreath zip-tied to your car’s grill can be fun additions, but when left on permanently, they can harm your fuel efficiency.
Lighten Up
Along the same lines, do your best to lighten your vehicle’s load. While it’s important to keep a roadside emergency kit on hand, extra items like kitty litter, bags of dog food, or cases of bottled water only add weight to your car.
You may be surprised by how much your fuel economy improves simply by clearing out unnecessary baggage.
Use the A/C
When driving at speeds over 35 mph, it’s better to roll up your vehicle’s windows and use the A/C instead.
With the windows down, air has many gaps to flow through, which slows the car down and forces your engine to work harder to maintain speed.
So, even though you might enjoy the breeze on a nice day, it’s best to keep the windows up while cruising.
Check Your Tires
Your tires play an important role in both fuel economy and aerodynamics since they interact with both the road and the air beneath your vehicle.
Underinflated tires create more road contact, increasing friction and drag, which forces the engine to work harder.
Additionally, narrower tires improve aerodynamics by reducing their interaction with the air flowing underneath the car.
Consider visiting a tire shop to see if narrower tires could enhance your fuel economy. An added bonus is that narrower tires may also improve handling in the snow especially useful during Utah winters.
Take a Look at Your Front Bumper
The front bumper of your vehicle has a bigger impact on aerodynamics than you might think, so it’s important to ensure it’s in good shape.
Any damage, like bumps or dings, can negatively affect your fuel economy. If duct tape is all that’s holding it together, it might be time to replace it.
If you frequently drive on highways, investing in a more aerodynamic bumper could be beneficial.
Whether you’re replacing or upgrading your bumper, be sure to check the air dam.
Many vehicles come with an air dam, a lip at the front designed to divert air around your car and help it maintain contact with the ground.
While most stock bumpers are sufficiently aerodynamic, if you choose to upgrade, make sure you select a bumper with a functional and aesthetically pleasing air dam.
Use a Tonneau Cover for Your Truck
A tonneau cover is a cover for the bed of your truck and can significantly improve fuel efficiency. Whether it’s a hard or soft cover, simply having the cover in place helps with your truck’s aerodynamics.
Some people believe that lowering the tailgate helps with fuel economy, but that’s actually not the case. Keeping the tailgate up and using a cover for the truck bed is far more efficient.
Keep It Clean
In the winter, keeping your car clean can be a challenge because of slush and rock salt, but washing and waxing your vehicle occasionally not only protects the finish but also keeps the surface smooth.
A smoother finish improves aerodynamics, even if it’s by a tiny degree. Every little bit counts!
There are many small steps you can take to improve your vehicle’s aerodynamics and, in turn, increase its fuel efficiency. Visit one of our Utah auto repair shops today to discuss how we can help you achieve these goals.