Does an Aftermarket Exhaust Improve Gas Mileage?
If you’re thinking of making your car look or sound different than stock, an aftermarket exhaust system is the most popular modification that people will consider. While everyone assumes these changes result in improved performance and louder sounds out of the pipes, they also ask themselves if putting an aftermarket exhaust on can boost fuel efficiency. As usual, there isn’t one answer for anything automotive-related; it depends on several different things – what kind (or model) the new exhaust is and even how you drive your car.
How an Aftermarket Exhaust Affects Fuel Efficiency
An exhaust system that has been designed well can make vehicles go better since the exhaust flow is improved and engine strain is relieved. Here’s how it works:
Easing Exhaust Flow: In the factory, exhaust systems are frequently designed to fit within certain parameters to keep gases from moving out too quickly. After the factory has done its work, larger pipes and fewer, smoother bends (such as those found in a cat-back exhaust system or performance headers) can liberate exhaust gases further. This reduces backpressure so that engines work more efficiently.
More Powerful Engine: With a better-flowing exhaust, the engine doesn’t have to labor as hard to throw out waste gases, which can mean small increases in fuel mileage. A more efficient combustion process also means the engine can live more on its fat, especially at highway speeds.
Weight Loss: Some aftermarket exhaust systems are made from lightweight materials such as stainless steel or titanium, significantly reducing the vehicle’s overall weight. Lighter cars require less energy to move, and this trait may lead to better fuel economy.
Recovery Power: An aftermarket exhaust, together with a tuned ECU, can rework the air-fuel mixture to optimize combustion and reduce waste. However, without proper tuning, the fuel economy benefits may be minimal.
Factors That Affect Gas Mileage Gains
Given the right modification, a redirected exhaust can bring on better gas mileage, but these conditions must be met:
Your Driving Habits: If you drive hard or stay in motion quickly all the time, fuel economy initially achieved by installing a high-performance exhaust will soon be for naught.
Type of Exhaust System: A cat-back or header-back system provides greater gas mileage than just replacing the muffler.
Engine Type: A naturally aspirated engine may see a small improvement, while a turbocharged model could benefit more from lesser backpressure.
Another conversion: Matching your changed exhaust with other performance upgrades, like cold air intake and fine-tuned compression ratios, will produce maximum yield.
Will an Aftermarket Exhaust Always Improve Gas Mileage?
This is not always the case. If an aftermarket exhaust is designed purely for performance or sound—like a straight-pipe system—it could actually increase fuel consumption rather than save it. Likewise, if a muffler is used to ease the noise but is not suitable for the job at hand, “unbalance” may be introduced into exhaust systems and thus decrease fuel economy in all types of cars.
Conclusion
The result has much to do with what type of system to get, how/what shape your driving habits include, and other modifications. If you’re trying to save fuel and use the least fuel, this is the best option. At Auto Parts North Inc., we provide high-quality aftermarket exhaust systems that are power-efficient and durable. Contact our company now and choose the software you prefer for upgrading!