Ameer Randolph
There are several modifications, or mods, that can be made to a car to improve its fuel efficiency. Some of the most common and effective methods include ensuring proper tyre pressure and wheel weight, driving at optimal speeds, improving airflow and aerodynamics, and making sure the engine is running properly with fresh sensors, spark plugs, and air filters. While some mods can provide a significant improvement in fuel economy, it's important to consider the cost-benefit ratio, as some modifications may be expensive and provide minimal returns in fuel savings. Additionally, driving habits and proper maintenance play a significant role in fuel efficiency, and in some cases, it may be more practical to purchase a more fuel-efficient vehicle.
Characteristics of fuel efficiency mods for cars
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reduced weight | Remove passenger seats, sound insulation, A/C, radio, etc. |
| Reduced wheel weight | Lightweight rims and LRR tires |
| Efficient gearing | Ford 2.89:1 "mileage maker" ratio |
| Improved airflow | Larger intakes, smoother surfaces, faster valvetrain |
| Improved aerodynamics | Lowering the car, reducing the mass that the car has to displace |
| Proper tire pressure | Inflate tires to recommended PSI |
| Driving slower | Stay around 60-65mph |
| Anticipating stops | Avoid mashing the throttle |
| Engine maintenance | Clean air filter, fresh spark plugs, fresh coils/wires, fresh oil, fresh transmission fluid, proper alignment, good shocks |
| Modernize older cars | Modern electronic injection, modern suspension |
| Throttle balance | Avoid using too much throttle or too little |
| Nitrous oxide system | Powershot system from NOS |
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What You'll Learn
Reduce weight
Reducing the weight of your car is one of the most effective ways to improve its fuel efficiency. The lighter the vehicle, the less fuel it requires to accelerate and maintain speed. Here are some tips to reduce the weight of your car:
Remove unnecessary items from the car
The weight of the items you carry in your car can significantly impact fuel efficiency. Remove any unnecessary items from the boot, trunk, and passenger seats. Every extra 50 kg of weight in your car can increase fuel consumption by 2%. An extra 100 pounds in the trunk can reduce fuel economy by 1-2%. So, think carefully about what you need for your journey and leave the rest behind.
Maintain proper tyre pressure
Under-inflated tyres create more friction with the road, increasing rolling resistance and fuel consumption. Ensure your tyres are inflated to the recommended pressure. This can be found on the sticker inside the driver's door or in the car's manual. Checking your tyre pressure at least once a month can help you maintain optimal inflation and improve fuel efficiency.
Choose lightweight wheels
Smaller and lighter wheels can improve fuel efficiency by reducing the overall weight of the vehicle. Low-profile tyres with larger rims may look sporty, but they tend to be heavier and can decrease fuel economy.
Remove roof racks
Roof racks create wind drag, especially when driving at high speeds. If you don't need them for a particular journey, remove them to reduce air resistance and improve fuel efficiency.
Avoid carrying excess fuel
Only carry as much fuel as you need for your journey. The extra weight of a full tank of fuel can reduce fuel efficiency, especially if you're carrying multiple spare cans of fuel.
Consider lightweight modifications
If you're looking for more extensive modifications, consider replacing heavy car parts with lightweight alternatives. For example, switching to a lightweight battery or opting for lightweight body panels made from carbon fibre or fibreglass. Just ensure that any modifications comply with road safety regulations.
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Efficient gearing
On the other hand, a lower gear ratio, such as the Ford 2.89:1, is known as the "mileage maker" ratio. This lower ratio may not offer the same torque transfer capabilities, but it can provide a higher top speed and improved fuel efficiency. This is because a lower gear ratio allows for smoother and more consistent acceleration, requiring less torque from the engine when travelling at speed.
To achieve efficient gearing, it is important to consider the optimal rpm range for your engine and tyre combination. For instance, a Jetta may achieve better fuel economy at 55-60 mph than at higher speeds of 75-80 mph. Additionally, larger tyres can cause constant downshifting in older non-manual cars, impacting their ability to stay in the optimal rpm range. Adjusting the gearing to match the larger tyres can help maintain optimal rpms and improve fuel efficiency.
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Improved airflow
Improving airflow in a car's engine can increase its fuel efficiency. The engine is essentially an air pump, and the easier it is to move air through the pump, the less fuel it consumes. This is because power "chips" and bigger fuel injectors that increase fuel delivery do not improve fuel economy. They do not reduce pumping losses or improve engine efficiency.
One way to improve airflow is to ensure that the engine air filter is clean. This will reduce the amount of air resistance in the engine, making it easier for air to pass through. Additionally, larger intakes can improve airflow, as they allow for a greater volume of air to enter the engine.
Another way to improve airflow is to reduce the pumping restriction in the air throttle of a gasoline engine. When the throttle is partially closed, it creates a pumping restriction for the intake cycle of the engine. By improving the airflow, the throttle does not need to be opened as widely, and therefore, a smaller amount of fuel is used.
Furthermore, installing "belly pans" or underbody panels can smoothen the airflow under the vehicle. This reduces air resistance and improves the vehicle's aerodynamics, which can also help with fuel efficiency.
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Improved aerodynamics
Improving a car's aerodynamics can increase its fuel efficiency. All cars push air aside as they move, and the faster the car goes, the faster it needs to move the air. However, air has mass, and it takes work to displace mass. Therefore, the less mass that a car has to displace, the less work it needs to do, and thus the more efficient it is.
Hypermilers aim to improve fuel efficiency and suggest removing wing mirrors, windscreen wipers, and other small parts from a car. While this can improve fuel efficiency, it is also illegal and unsafe. Instead, car owners can introduce modifications that improve aesthetics and fuel efficiency. For example, a full front lip with side wings and a rear spoiler with centre wickerbill can increase downforce, improving aerodynamics.
Another way to improve aerodynamics is to reduce the weight of the car. Heavy steel or alloy metal parts can be replaced with carbon fibre or lighter materials. A 50kg weight reduction can result in a 2% saving in fuel consumption. Additionally, removing unnecessary items from the car, such as bags of sand or subs in the trunk, can reduce weight and improve fuel efficiency.
It is important to note that the effectiveness of aerodynamic modifications depends on the current state of the car. For example, a Porsche 911 can be made more aerodynamic, but there may be limited options for a Nissan Cube.
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Proper tire pressure
Tire pressure is often an overlooked aspect of vehicle maintenance, but it can have a significant impact on fuel efficiency. Underinflated tires can lower gas mileage by 0.3% for every 1 psi drop in all four tires. This can add up quickly, resulting in wasted fuel and increased costs at the pump. Additionally, underinflated tires can cause uneven tire wear, with the tires wearing out more on the edges, while overinflated tires wear out in the center.
To ensure optimal tire pressure, it is recommended to check your tire pressure at least once a month and more frequently during significant weather changes. Investing in a reliable tire inflator gauge can make this process easier and more accurate. Maintaining proper tire pressure is a simple practice that can have a significant impact on your vehicle's performance and fuel efficiency.
In addition to improving fuel efficiency, proper tire pressure also contributes to safety and tire longevity. Underinflated tires increase braking distance and decrease handling responsiveness, increasing the risk of accidents, especially in challenging driving conditions. They can also overheat due to excessive friction with the road, leading to a higher risk of tire blowouts at high speeds.
By maintaining proper tire pressure, you can optimise your vehicle's performance, improve fuel efficiency, enhance safety, and extend the lifespan of your tires. It is a simple yet vital practice that can bring numerous benefits to your driving experience and contribute to environmental sustainability.
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