How to Rig a Car to Save Gas

It takes more than changing spark plugs to get great mileage.

Rigging a car for fuel mileage is a good approach. Most people think tuning the engine is the way to get better gas mileage. Unless the engine is running poorly, it is a small part of the overall requirements for great gas mileage. The entire car must be addressed to streamline and reduce wind resistance, lessen rolling resistance and extract full potential from the engine. It takes work, but the results will quickly pay dividends.

Things You'll Need

• Wrench set
• 3/8 socket set
• Screwdriver set
• Dielectric grease
• Oils
• Filters

Instructions

1. Examine the body of the car. Additions such as luggage racks, chrome moldings, emblems, or add-on lights or light bars cause drag. Remove them if it is practical. The idea is to make the vehicle as sleek as possible. Mud and grime will cause wind resistance. A washed and waxed car slips through the air a lot better than a dirty one.

2. Unplug and clean electrical connections under the hood. Use aerosol contact cleaner on all that are accessible, and add a tiny bit of dielectric grease to each contact. This helps against engine heat and lowers the resistance value of important circuits. A strong current needs to flow to the ignition coils and fuel injectors. This slight improvement will help reduce the circuit load and that equates to better fuel mileage. Service the battery and insure there are clean battery connections.

3. Install new spark plugs and wires. Modern wires are suppression-designed to keep ignition noise out of radios and computer circuits. Over time, these wires degrade. Using spark plugs based on climate conditions rather than manufacturer recommendations will get better mileage. Auto manufacturers install a plug to serve the widest range of markets; however, vehicles in hot climates can benefit from a colder-rated plug. The same is true for a cold climate vehicle having a hotter plug installed. When the engine gets too hot, the timing is automatically reduced and that harms fuel mileage--too cold, and the engine demands more fuel just to run. That also hurts fuel mileage.

4. Repair all the drive accessories. If the power steering pump is noisy, the alternator whines, or the air conditioning compressor rattles, repair them. They take power from the engine and harm gas mileage. Change the drive belt (fan belt) if it is cracked, glazed or weathered. Slipping belts mean poorer gas mileage.

5. Install narrow tires. Consult with a reputable tire dealer and determine the smallest tire that can safely be used. Most people think bigger is better. Not with tires and gas mileage. Tires cause friction and create rolling resistance. A smaller surface contact lowers friction and resistance, and that equates to better gas mileage.

6. Change the engine oil and transmission fluid, and rear-wheel vehicles should change the rear axle lube. Each of these components are designed to lower internal friction. Consult with local lubrication suppliers and determine the best product for the local climate. This makes a substantial difference in performance. Oils stay too thick in cold weather, and break down in hot. Get the right product in the vehicle.

References

• AA1 Car: Gas Saving Gadgets