With the rising costs of fuel, it’s no surprise how most car owners will do just about anything to improve their vehicles’ fuel efficiency. One possible solution is to reduce aerodynamic drag, which has been proven to lead to significant fuel savings. Luckily, boosting automotive aerodynamics is easier than ever, thanks to these accessories that can lessen drag:
Tonneau Cover
If you’re looking for a way to improve your truck’s aerodynamics, why not invest in a tonneau cover? Also known as a truck bed cover, a tonneau cover protects the cargo in your truck bed from harsh winds, rain, and potential thieves. It also streamlines airflow over the bed, effectively reducing drag and improving fuel economy.
You can find all sorts of tonneau covers on the market, such as hard, soft, rolling, and folding covers.
Our Top Picks:
- JC Whitney Tonneau Cover
- Truxedo 247601 Truxport Series Vinyl Tonneau Cover
- Bestop 16175-01 EZ fold Series Leather Grained Vinyl Tonneau Cover
Tires and Wheels
Replace your vehicle’s standard tires with low-rolling resistance ones, and you’ll immediately notice an improvement in your car’s aerodynamics and fuel efficiency. Low-rolling resistance tires demand less energy from your vehicle, allowing it to conserve fuel.
A lighter vehicle also leads to better aerodynamics, so you might want to consider swapping out your old wheels with a lightweight alloy set.
Our Top Picks:
Spoiler
Car spoilers do more than just give cars that iconic sporty look. Typically mounted on the rear of the vehicle, a car spoiler redirects the airflow over the car’s body. This produces a downforce that keeps the vehicle on the ground when driving at high speeds. In doing so, the spoiler makes the car feel much more steady while improving its aerodynamics.
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Diffuser
Similar to a spoiler, a diffuser produces a downforce that improves a vehicle’s stability and aerodynamics. However, instead of being mounted on the car’s body like a spoiler, it’s strategically mounted underneath the car’s rear. It creates low pressure under the car, reducing drag and boosting aerodynamics.
There are different types of diffusers on the market, so you’re sure to find one that best suits your preferences.
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Roof Rack Wind Fairing
While roof racks greatly increase storage space, they can also increase air drag. They create additional wind resistance, which can also reduce fuel efficiency. The good news is that you can reduce air drag by adding a wind deflector accessory like a roof rack wind fairing. A roof rack wind fairing attaches to the roof rack, deflecting airflow and improving the car’s aerodynamics.
Our Top Picks:
- Rhino-Rack RF3 Roof Rack Wind Fairing
- Rhino-Rack RF2 Roof Rack Wind Fairing
- Rhino-Rack RF4 Roof Rack Wind Fairing
Mud Flaps
Also known as mud guards, mud flaps have been known to improve a truck’s aerodynamics. Mud flaps keep dirt, snow, and other debris from sticking to a vehicle’s body and chassis while reducing air resistance. They’re especially useful for heavy trucks that can sometimes use up to 50% of fuel just to go against the force of air resistance.
Our Top Picks:
- Replacement Rear, Driver Side Mud Flaps
- Weathertech 110026-120026 Front and Rear, Driver and Passenger Side DigitalFit Series Mud Flaps
- Husky Liners 55001 Front, Driver and Passenger Side MudDog Series Mud Flaps
Bumper
Is your front bumper in good condition? A damaged bumper can actually affect your vehicle’s ability to overcome air resistance. Even the smallest dent can lead to a drop in your car’s acceleration and fuel efficiency, so it’s best to replace it as soon as possible.
You can get the same standard bumper your vehicle came with, or you can get one with a modified air dam that redirects airflow more efficiently.
Our Top Picks:
- Replacement Front Bumper
- Westin 58-41225 Pro-Mod Series Front Powdercoated Textured Black Bumper
- Fab Fours CH08-S2062-1 Front Gloss Black Powdercoated Bumper
Body Panel
A damaged bumper isn’t the only thing that can negatively affect the aerodynamics of a car. Misaligned or dented body panels make it harder for your vehicle to push through the air, which means your car will move slower. This increase in air drag will affect engine performance and also reduce fuel efficiency. To get the most out of your fuel, it’s best to repair any damages to your car’s bodywork as soon as possible.
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Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.
