Does Cold Air Intake Increase Fuel Efficiency?

When it comes to fuel economy, you want the best for your vehicle. As gas prices are constantly going up, making the most out of every gallon is a priority. One option you may hear about is a cold air intake. This leads you to ask though, does a cold air intake increase mpg? The simplest answer is yes. Cold air intakes will improve fuel efficiency by about 3-5 mpg but only when they deliver more cold air than stock intake in the vehicle. If asking do cold air intakes really make a difference, they can but will vary depending on the component used as well as the vehicle.

Vehicle Fuel Efficiency

Your engine relies on both fuel and air for optimal combustion. This combustion takes place inside the cylinders of the engine which then propel the vehicle forward. Engines will achieve their optimal efficiency when they have a mix of 14.7 air to fuel. This is also known as stoichiometric air/fuel ratio. If this ratio gets out of balance, then you'll end up using more fuel without getting more output leading to worsening mileage. If you have this imbalance for an extended period, you'll probably start to notice that you fill up the car more often and spend more money on gas.

However, if you add more fuel and air together while keeping this ratio the same, you'll be creating more power than losing it. A cold air intake system is a method used to achieve this ratio and improve your fuel efficiency.

Cold Air Intakes

A cold air intake can help you to increase your mpg. However, the aftermarket systems can provide additional benefits for the vehicle. Along with improving gas mileage, cold air intake also increases horsepower. When you pair the system by also getting a new exhaust, you'll improve the efficiency of the vehicle even further. Cold air intake improves the mpg of the vehicle since it allows more air flow to reach the engine. Remember though that that the increased efficiency will depend on your vehicle. On average though, installing the cold air intake increases fuel economy by up to 5 mpg leading to long-term savings.

Can It Have a Negative Effect?

Cold air intakes are specifically designed to improve the engine's efficiency but they're certainly not perfect. Some systems may allow water into the engine which can lead to serious problems and ultimately decrease its efficiency. However, having the intake installed and maintaining it on a regular basis will help prevent this problem from happening. While reducing the efficiency is possible, this is not a common occurrence.

Will a High Flow Air Filter Help?

Car owners also often want to know if they're installing a high-flow air filter will improve their efficiency. Unlike regular car filters, a high-flow filter doesn't have to be replaced every year. It can improve your engine's efficiency by improving the horsepower and torque. This will also lead to increased fuel efficiency.

Choosing a Cold Air Intake System

If you want to improve the fuel efficiency of your vehicle, then finding a top notch component from a good manufacturer is important. When you have a good quality system, more cool air is going to go into the car's engine. This ensures that the fuel burns efficiently and evenly. In fact, power efficiency increases by about one percent for each 10 degrees colder the air is going into the engine.

If you need to improve your mileage, ensure that the stock air intake tubes are not placed behind the grille or a bumper opening. If so, you'll see some improvements in fuel efficiency but they probably won't be as good. Make sure you choose a quality part in order to get the most efficiency out of this system and to save money in the long run.

We know that your vehicle is important. From needing new parts to wanting accessories, at Partsmax Auto Parts and Accessories, we have it all. Our warehouse in Florida offers aftermarket auto parts and top quality accessories for your vehicle. Visit our website at www.partsmax.co and see our inventory. If you're in the South Florida area, make sure to visit us in person to see what we offer. Our expert technicians can help you with this process.