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Summary
  • Installing a tonneau cover, roof rack wind fairing, and mud flaps can greatly improve your vehicle’s aerodynamics and increase its fuel efficiency. 
  • Invest in a brand-new set of lightweight tires and wheels to lessen your vehicle’s overall weight and improve its aerodynamics. 
  • Damaged bumpers and body panels can negatively affect your vehicle’s ability to overcome wind resistance, so it’s best to repair them as soon as possible.

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

truxedo tonneau cover product image
A tonneau cover streamlines airflow over the bed, effectively reducing drag and improving fuel economy.

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.

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You can find all sorts of tonneau covers on the market, such as hard, soft, rolling, and folding covers.

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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.

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Spoiler

replacement spoiler product image
A car spoiler redirects the airflow over the car’s body, producing a downforce that keeps the vehicle on the ground when driving at high speeds.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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About The Author
Written By Automotive and Tech Writers

The CarParts.com Research Team is composed of experienced automotive and tech writers working with (ASE)-certified automobile technicians and automotive journalists to bring up-to-date, helpful information to car owners in the US. Guided by CarParts.com's thorough editorial process, our team strives to produce guides and resources DIYers and casual car owners can trust.

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.

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