Does a Cold Air Intake Increase Fuel Efficiency?

A cold air intake increases power to your car, but what about gas mileage? Does a cold air intake increase fuel efficiency in cars?

A cold air intake system works as one would think per the name. It introduces cold air to the piston chambers of the engine. This colder air is denser and thus creates more pressure when the fuel is ignited by the spark from the spark plug. The resulting pressure then increases the torque and power of the engine. It can be a noticeable difference in most cars.

What about mileage? Does a cold air intake increase fuel efficiency? The answer is tricky. The problem is this is a bit of a trick question. Let’s take a look at why.

Will your car be more fuel efficient with a cold air intake system? Technically, the answer is that it possibly will. The density of the air will allow the fuel to produce more bang for the buck. A computer controlled engine will then adjust and provide less fuel since it isn’t needed. This will increase your fuel economy.

Most engines, however, will not make this adjustment without a professional tune-up. Most people will not do this. Why? Well, think through the reason for buying a cold air intake system. They usually run a minimum of $250 and the best run more than that. Are you really going to by this system to get an extra couple of miles a gallon? Probably not.

The reason most people buy cold air intake systems is because they want better performance. When installed, the performance will be more than recognizable. As a result, the natural tendency will be to drive more aggressively. This means pounding the gas pedal. Doing so makes for a great ride, but it is more than going to cancel out any improved fuel efficiency you would get from the cold air intake system.

Does a cold air intake system increase fuel efficiency? Yes, but not enough to buy one for this reason. If you are going to purchase a cold air intake system, do it because you want the additional performance. You can find them for your year, make and model using our Shop option on the menu above.

<< Back to Air Filters