Fuel economy measures how far your car can travel with a given amount of fuel. In the US, we often think of fuel economy in terms of miles you can drive per gallon of gas.
Improving your car’s fuel economy helps you save money at the pump and puts less of a strain on the environment. Discover car parts and accessories that improve fuel economy.
1. Correctly Inflated Tires
Since tires are the only part of your car that touches the road, they can greatly affect your fuel economy. Use the appropriate type of tire for your driving environment. For example, off-road tires will decrease fuel efficiency when driving on streets.
Keeping your tires properly inflated enhances fuel economy. Underinflated tires increase surface area contact with the road, thereby increasing resistance. They can also increase your car’s fuel consumption. You can typically find your vehicle’s recommended tire pressure on a sticker inside the driver’s door or your owner’s manual.
2. Spoilers
Spoilers are a car accessory that improves fuel economy at higher speeds. They reduce aerodynamic drag by managing the airflow around your vehicle. At speeds under 65 mph, you may not see any difference, but when driving at highway speeds, a properly installed spoiler lowers fuel consumption.
A vehicle wing is another rear-mounted accessory that can provide similar benefits. One of the key differences between spoilers and wings is that spoilers enhance fuel efficiency for daily driving, whereas wings make a difference in high-performance vehicles like race cars.
3. Air Filters and Oxygen Sensors
The engine air filter captures dirt and debris, giving the fuel cleaner air for combustion. A dirty, clogged air filter decreases the air supply to the engine, which can increase the amount of unburned fuel. Change air filters annually or around every 12,000 to 15,000 miles to maximize your engine’s performance.
The oxygen sensor measures the concentration of unburned oxygen in the car’s exhaust. Then, it relays this data to the electronic control unit to adjust the fuel and air ratio. If you have trouble accelerating or see a decrease in gas mileage, you may need to replace yours.
The proper type of tire at the correct pressure will reduce drag while keeping your vehicle firmly on the road. A spoiler is a stylish accessory that can help you save gas at highway speeds. Finally, while your car’s engine filter and oxygen sensor aren’t flashy, they significantly affect how much fuel your engine requires. Installing and maintaining these components will help you get further on every tank of gas.
