Car Customization and Fuel Economy: Poor Bedfellows?

Car customization is an enormous industry. The “tuner” world began long ago, during Prohibition and has only accelerated in the years since. However, a debate rages about the viability of customizing your ride and attaining the optimum fuel economy. The debate is particularly pertinent in today’s world of soaring gas prices, alternative fuels and hybrid vehicles. What customizations help your fuel economy? Which customizations can hurt your fuel mileage? Here are a few tips.

Surprisingly, many customizations actually increase your fuel economy, during normal driving. For instance, a custom air filter, or even a full cold air intake system, can increase your available horsepower, but also your fuel economy. A cold air intake supplies cooler, denser air to your combustion chambers. This results in a longer burn from each injection of fuel. While that does give your car more “get up and go,” it also provides better economy if you’re not a lead foot driver (to see cold air intake system for your ride, visit AndysAutoSport.com).

Another popular customization is adding an aftermarket spoiler to your car. While many tuners opt for huge wing spoilers, these are by no means the only option available. There are more subtle spoilers that provide the same benefits as larger ones. A spoiler works by providing improved down force on the rear of the vehicle, as well as by diffusing air as it flows over the vehicle. This helps your car move through the air more efficiently. While you will not see an incredible increase in fuel economy from adding a spoiler, it should be a part of any comprehensive customization job.

Your exhaust is another area in which you can attain both better performance and greater fuel economy. Most stock exhaust systems are very restrictive, smothering your engine with backpressure. This means that your engine has to work harder to move the exhaust down the pipes, through the catalytic converter and out the muffler. An aftermarket exhaust system uses larger pipes, a high-flow catalytic converter and a larger muffler (as well as headers in some cases) to reduce the amount of backpressure your engine must suffer.
Lower backpressure results in slightly less torque, but greater top speed for your ride. If you are driving normally, you’ll find better performance and better fuel economy as your engine spins more easily. These are just a few of the ways in which car customization can also help you attain better fuel economy. Just remember, drive normally, rather than as if you are at the track.