Do Tonneau Covers Save Gas? If you’re looking for a way to make the most out of your gas mileage, you’ve come to the right place. Although there are a bunch of newer hybrid car models out there, they do run on the more expensive side.
Therefore it is not for everyone because replacing a vehicle isn’t exactly the easiest thing in the world. So what if there were some other ways that you could make your vehicle more fuel-efficient – intrigued?
The answer is quite simple. If you have an open back truck or a vehicle of similar proportions, then installing a Tonneau cover should be priority number one. Read on to find out why.
Factors That Affect Gas Mileage
Gas mileage is affected by multiple factors while you are on the road. One of the first and foremost is whether you are sticking to the speed limit or not.
Studies have shown that you can lose up to twenty cents for every 5 miles that you drive above the speed limit. It also depends on the kind of terrain you typically drive on.
For more mountainous or hilly areas, you are likely to use cruise control, which can do quite a number on your mileage.
Other than that, it is recommended that you shut off your car if it is going to be idle for more than thirty seconds or so, even if you are at a traffic stop.
Keeping the speed in check helps avoid having to speed up or slow down in sudden bursts which can use up more gas, as does revving up the engine unnecessarily.
If your vehicle is long due for servicing, then chances are your gas mileage has been suffering as well. Putting off oil changes and tire replacements can also affect it.
How Can You Rectify These Factors?
The aforementioned factors can be corrected easily enough by taking some of the following measures.
- De-clutter the back of your vehicle by removing unnecessary hardware
- A lighter car will move much more efficiently
- Schedule regular visits to the mechanic and service station
- Use the right kind of fuel for your vehicle for encouraging efficient usage of fuel
- Check the transmission fluid regularly and schedule regular changes if necessary
- Try not to take your vehicle out during periods of heavy traffic
What Exactly Do Tonneau Covers Do For Your Truck?
Coming towards the subject of Tonneau covers, they come with a league of advantages of their own that include:
- First and foremost, it is great for covering and protecting any equipment/luggage you may have loaded up on the back of your truck bed
- Secondly, it secures your things against threats of robbery, or inhospitable weather conditions, etc.
- In addition, it helps keep things in place while your vehicle is on the move so that nothing gets damaged on the ride
- Given these features, in the long run, it keeps up the quality and value of your truck as well
- Last but not least, Tonneau covers are said to give your vehicle a more streamlined body, such that it undergoes much less air drag which can help save gas.
Read Also: Top 10 Best Tonneau Cover Cleaner
How Are Tonneau Covers And Gas Mileage Related?
As aforementioned, a Tonneau cover fitted on your otherwise bare truck bed gives your vehicle a more structured and streamlined body. One of the theories is that it reduces air drag on your truck.
In other words, it creates a uniform block surface that does not ‘trap’ any air, so to say. This allows wind/air drag to flow over the truck more smoothly and evenly hence reducing its effect on the vehicle itself.
It is also said to increase the ‘aerodynamics’ of your vehicle. However, the exact saving on gas mileage can vary on a couple of different factors.
Some claim that it can save anywhere from ten percent to fifteen percent in terms of gas mileage. Although this may be a bit of a stretch, it is not impossible.
However, it is only possible under certain optimal conditions and also depends on how old your vehicle is as well as average speed, etc.
It is a general observation that in order to reap the full advantages of using a Tonneau cover when it comes to amping up your gas mileage, you have to drive much faster than average. The rule of thumb is that you will get more fuel economy the faster you drive. However, this may prove difficult as that speed is much higher than your vehicle or you may be used to.
How Do Different Types Of Covers Influence This?
There are several different types of Tonneau covers that people can opt from, the main categories being soft covers and hard ones.
However, to be more specific, there are others as well. Namely, roll-up, soft tri-fold, retractable, and hard tri-fold covers.
As it turns out, the kind of coverage that you use also has an effect on fuel economy. Although all of the above can work pretty well in this regard, some soft covers, if not fitted properly, can increase air drag rather than reducing it.
Read Also: Are Tonneau Covers Waterproof? How to Make Them Better
Additional Factors to Be Considered
If you are on board with investing in a Tonneau cover, then there are certain factors that you need to think about.
For instance, it is important to consider the age and quality of your vehicle and the kind of cover that will fit best into your truck bed.
For all intents and purposes, it is best to stick with a soft or roll-up cover that is well fitted onto the back of your truck. This truly does provide for a smooth structure with good fuel economy and enhanced speed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Related to It
1. What is the best way to increase gas mileage?
Answer: Some easy measures to step up your gas mileage is to stick to your speed limit, keep the load on your car as light as possible, and have your tires on full air pressure at all times.
2. Do fuel injectors affect gas mileage?
Answer: The short answer is yes, it does. A fuel injector is mainly responsible for spraying a mist of fuel into the engine compartment. A contained spray of mist makes for better gas mileage overall.
3. Do clean cars get better gas mileage?
Answer: Yes a clean car with a smooth interior and exterior allows for a good amount of airflow throughout the car, and more airflow does wonders for fuel economy.
4. How does tire pressure affect gas mileage?
Answer: In addition to having a smoother driving experience, properly inflated tires allow for more fuel economy. This is because the car moves more efficiently with reduced air drag acting on it.
5. Does fuel affect gas mileage?
Answer: Although fuel does not have a huge impact on gas mileage, using the right kind of fuel i.e. high octane fuel can make a difference, given that you keep a full tank at all times.
Conclusion
There isn’t a whole lot of scientific research or data that backs up this concept.
However, a fair share of experimenters and truck enthusiasts have gathered up significant evidence based on experience to deem that Tonneau covers do have a certain role to play in enhancing gas mileage.