Many truck and SUV owners decide to install lift kits to achieve an aggressive and eye-catching look or improve off-road capabilities. However, some are concerned about how lift kits can affect their vehicle's fuel efficiency.
Lift kits can increase fuel efficiency in some cases, but it can also have the opposite effect. This blog post will explore the relationship between lifting a vehicle and its impact on MPG.
The Truth about Lift Kits and Their Impact on MPG
To fully understand the impact of lift kits on the vehicle's MPG, we have to consider several factors. Here are some of them:
Lift Kits and Aerodynamics
The first thing to understand is that lift kits can negatively impact a vehicle's aerodynamics. When you lift a truck or SUV, you are essentially raising its center of gravity, which increases air resistance.
The higher your vehicle sits above the ground, the more air it has to push through to move forward and the harder the engine has to work. This increased drag can hurt gas mileage, especially at high speeds.
Lift Kits and Weight
Another factor that can impact MPG when installing a lift kit is weight. Most lift kits add weight to the vehicle, which affects the engine’s fuel efficiency.
Lift kits for larger trucks can add several hundred pounds to the vehicle, which means the engine has to work harder to move the weight. This added weight can decrease fuel efficiency under normal driving conditions.
Tire Size and Impact on Fuel Efficiency
One of the most significant impacts on fuel efficiency when adding lift kits is the change in tire size. Many lift kits require larger and wider tires, up to 35 inches in diameter. Larger tires require more power to move, which leads to lower fuel efficiency. Also, larger tires have greater rolling resistance than smaller tires, making the engine work harder and lowering fuel efficiency.
Lift Kits and Engine Performance
Lastly, installing lift kits can hurt engine performance, affecting fuel efficiency. Installing a lift kit can interfere with the truck's drivetrain, leading to lag or the need for a more powerful or inefficient engine.
This can lower fuel efficiency, especially in demanding driving conditions such as towing or off-roading.
How to Improve Fuel Efficiency When Lifting Your Vehicle
The good news is that there are several ways to minimize lift kits' impact on fuel efficiency. Here are some of them:
- Make sure to use quality and lightweight components when installing the lift kit.
- Select tires with lower rolling resistance for improved fuel efficiency.
- Install a high-performance air filter to improve engine performance and reduce fuel use.
- Have an expert tune your vehicle for optimal performance, which can help with overall fuel efficiency.
- Utilize an exhaust system designed to reduce emissions and maximize the engine's output.
- Add a Throttle Body Spacer to improve air flow and increase torque.
- Make sure your vehicle is properly aligned. This will help reduce tire wear, which in turn will improve fuel efficiency.
By taking these steps when lifting your vehicle, you can be sure that you'll maintain or even improve your MPG rating. It's important to remember that lift kits can affect fuel efficiency, but with the right modifications and maintenance, you can minimize their impact.
Conclusion
The impact of lift kits on fuel efficiency depends on several factors, such as aerodynamics, weight, tire size, and engine performance. While a lift kit can make your vehicle look great and increase its off-road capabilities, it often hurts your fuel economy.
At the same time, there are some cases where lift kits can help MPG, such as raising the vehicle's body height while keeping the tire's stock size.
Ultimately, it is essential to assess your priorities when owning a truck or SUV with a lift kit. If you prioritize looks, performance, and off-road capabilities over fuel economy, a lift kit is likely a good choice.
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