Regan Brown
Aerodynamic wheel covers are a popular way to improve fuel efficiency in vehicles. By reducing wind resistance and drag, these covers can improve the aerodynamics of a vehicle, thereby reducing fuel consumption. The covers are designed to streamline the contours of trucks and trailers, and independent tests have shown that they can lead to significant fuel savings, especially when travelling at higher speeds. While some fleet managers have expressed concerns about the weight added by the covers, many in the industry believe that aerodynamic wheel covers can provide a competitive advantage in the market, with some companies already installing them on their fleets.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel savings | 0.39 gallons of fuel saved per 1000 miles |
| Fuel savings | 0.93% for tractors, 0.81% for trailers, 1.74% combined |
| Fuel savings | 2.61 gallons of fuel saved per 1000 miles |
| Fuel savings | 0.703% |
| Fuel savings | 1% to 2% |
| Fuel savings | 1/4 of 1% per cover |
| Fuel savings | 2% when installing covers on all eight wheel ends |
| Cost | $60 per cover |
| Cost | $290 for a set of four ABS plastic wheel covers |
| Weight | 34 ounces per cover |
| Weight | 2 pounds per cover |
| Weight | 68 pounds for a 22.5 inch-by-8.25 inch wheel |
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What You'll Learn
- Aerodynamic wheel covers reduce wind resistance, improving fuel efficiency
- The wheel acts as a cavity, creating drag and decreasing fuel economy
- Wheel covers can be made of solid or hollow rubber bulbs, steel, plastic, or aluminium
- Aerodynamic wheel covers can be used with or without additional trailer devices
- Fuel savings from aerodynamic wheel covers are most noticeable at high speeds
Aerodynamic wheel covers reduce wind resistance, improving fuel efficiency
Aerodynamic wheel covers are designed to improve the airflow around vehicles, reducing wind resistance and improving fuel efficiency. The wheel cavity on trucks creates drag, which decreases fuel economy, and wheel covers help prevent this pressure differential.
Several companies offer aerodynamic wheel covers for semi-trucks and trailers, claiming significant fuel savings. FlowBelow's Wheel Cover Kits, for example, have been independently tested and proven to reduce fuel consumption by approximately 0.93% for tractors and 0.81% for trailers, with a combined savings of 1.74%, or 2.61 gallons of fuel saved per 1,000 miles driven. Similarly, the DEFLECKTOR Aero Wheel Cover was found to save 0.25% per cover, with an expected increase of 2% when installed on all eight wheel ends of a tractor-trailer.
Alcoa Wheels also offers an aerodynamic steer cover that saves 0.39 gallons of fuel per 1,000 miles. These covers are designed to push air away from the tire and wheel, reducing aerodynamic drag.
While the effectiveness of these products may vary in real-world conditions, they can provide significant fuel savings for fleets, especially on longer routes and at higher speeds. The return on investment for these wheel covers can be quick, with some fleets reporting a positive ROI in under 12 months.
In addition to wheel covers, other aerodynamic devices such as tonneau covers, belly pans, and active spoilers can also improve fuel efficiency by reducing drag and streamlining airflow around the vehicle.
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The wheel acts as a cavity, creating drag and decreasing fuel economy
The wheel of a vehicle acts as a cavity, which creates drag and decreases fuel economy. This is due to the low pressure created behind the vehicle, which generates a suction effect that pulls the vehicle backwards. This phenomenon, known as vortices, is responsible for a significant portion of the total drag on the vehicle, particularly in the area around the wheels.
To address this issue, some fleets have turned to wheel covers as a solution. By installing covers on the rear wheels, the pressure differential between the outside and inside of the wheel cavity is reduced, preventing air from flowing into the cavity and minimising drag. This, in turn, leads to improved fuel economy.
Independent third-party tests, including SAE Type II fuel efficiency tests, wind tunnel testing, CFD modelling, and on-road fleet tests, have proven the effectiveness of wheel covers in reducing fuel consumption. For example, FlowBelow's Wheel Cover Kits have shown a reduction in fuel consumption of approximately 0.93% for tractors and 0.81% for trailers, resulting in a combined savings of 1.74%, or 2.61 gallons of fuel saved per 1,000 miles driven.
Additionally, C.R. England Inc., a company based in Salt Lake City, reported a 0.703% fuel savings from using wheel covers on the rear wheels of their tractors. They also noted that the investment in wheel covers would be quickly recouped, even with minimal fuel savings.
While the addition of wheel covers has been shown to improve fuel economy, it is important to consider other factors as well. The weight of the wheel covers, for instance, can impact the overall efficiency of the vehicle. Furthermore, the shape of the vehicle's body and the incorporation of aerodynamic devices, such as side skirts and boat tails, can also play a significant role in reducing drag and improving fuel economy.
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Wheel covers can be made of solid or hollow rubber bulbs, steel, plastic, or aluminium
Wheel covers can improve fuel efficiency by reducing wind resistance and drag. They can be made of various materials, including solid or hollow rubber bulbs, steel, plastic, or aluminium. Steel wheels are not typically aerodynamically designed, with strength and durability taking precedence. Aluminium wheels may offer more potential for improved aerodynamics, but they are not as common as steel or plastic wheels.
Wheel covers made of solid or hollow rubber bulbs can be used on both aluminium and steel wheels. These wheel covers work like the seal on a car door, preventing a pressure differential between the outside of the tire-wheel assembly and the inside of the wheel cavity. This helps to reduce drag and improve fuel economy.
ABS plastic is another material used for wheel covers, known for its durability and flexibility. These wheel covers fit within the bead curl on steel wheels, ensuring a secure fit. While plastic wheel covers can add weight to the vehicle, they can still provide aerodynamic benefits and improve fuel efficiency.
Steel wheel covers are also available, although steel is not typically chosen for its aerodynamic properties. Steel wheels must meet industry standards for fit, form, and function, and their weight can be a focus for improvement. However, steel wheel covers can provide protection from dirt, scratches, and road debris, ensuring the wheels remain in good condition.
Aluminium wheel covers are an option for those seeking durability and resistance against rust. While aluminium may offer improved aerodynamics compared to steel, its impact on the overall aerodynamic profile of a truck is limited as the wheels are located inside fenders or fairings.
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Aerodynamic wheel covers can be used with or without additional trailer devices
Aerodynamic wheel covers are an effective way to reduce fuel consumption and increase MPG, thereby improving fleet profitability. They work by reducing air turbulence and drag around the wheels of a vehicle, which in turn improves fuel economy.
FlowBelow, a manufacturer of aerodynamic wheel covers, states that its products can be used with or without additional trailer aerodynamic devices such as side skirts and boat tails. Their wheel covers work with most wheel and tyre configurations, including super singles, and all power unit and trailer manufacturers. They are also designed to be durable and long-lasting, withstanding extreme weather conditions and temperatures.
The use of aerodynamic wheel covers can lead to significant fuel savings. For example, FlowBelow Wheel Covers have been proven to reduce fuel consumption by approximately 0.93% for tractors and 0.81% for trailers, with a combined savings of 1.74%, equating to 2.61 gallons of fuel saved for every 1,000 miles driven. Similarly, C.R. England, a fleet company, reported a fuel savings of 0.703% from using wheel covers on the rear wheels of their tractors and expected to see closer to 1% as the trucks were put into service. Alcoa® Wheels Aerodynamic Steer Cover is another product that saves 0.39 gallons of fuel every 1000 miles.
Aerodynamic wheel covers can be easily installed and removed, providing instant access to the wheel end. They are also compatible with tire chains, allowing for easy installation and removal during winter conditions.
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Fuel savings from aerodynamic wheel covers are most noticeable at high speeds
The use of aerodynamic wheel covers has been proven to reduce fuel consumption for vehicles, particularly semi-trucks and trailers. The covers work by reducing wind resistance or drag, which improves fuel economy. This effect becomes more pronounced as speed increases, with some sources claiming that aerodynamic products only impact fuel performance in tractors after they reach a speed of around 45 mph.
The DEFLECKTOR Aero Wheel Cover, for example, was found to save 1/4 of 1% per cover in SAE type 2 J1321 fuel efficiency tests. A tractor-trailer can expect an increase in fuel efficiency of up to 2% when installing the covers on all eight wheel ends. Similarly, FlowBelow Wheel Cover Kits have been proven to reduce fuel consumption by approximately 0.93% for tractors and 0.81% for trailers, with a combined savings of 1.74%, equating to 2.61 gallons of fuel saved for every 1,000 miles driven.
The Alcoa Wheels Aerodynamic Steer Cover is another example of a fuel-saving wheel cover. Its patent-pending design is engineered to push air away from the tire/wheel and vehicle, limiting aerodynamic drag. Backed by rigorous testing, the cover enhances performance and saves 0.39 gallons of fuel every 1,000 miles.
While the data suggests that aerodynamic wheel covers can provide fuel savings, it is important to note that the results may vary depending on driving conditions and individual driving habits. Additionally, some experts argue that reducing the weight of wheels should be a higher priority for wheel makers than improving their aerodynamics. Nevertheless, as fleets seek to improve their fuel efficiency and profitability, the use of aerodynamic wheel covers is becoming an increasingly popular solution.
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Frequently asked questions
Aerodynamic wheel covers have been proven to reduce fuel consumption by approximately 0.93% for tractors and 0.81% for trailers. This equates to 2.61 gallons of fuel saved for every 1,000 miles driven.
Aerodynamic wheel covers work by reducing wind drag and air resistance, which improves fuel efficiency.
Aerodynamic wheel covers are easy to install and require minimal maintenance, providing a quick return on investment.
Aerodynamic wheel covers are compatible with most vehicles, including semi-trucks, trailers, and tractors. They are designed to work with various wheel sizes and types, such as steel and aluminum wheels.
