Three Car Modifications That May Be Good For The Environment

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Car modifications don't have a good reputation with those who are environmentally conscious. This is because many modifications increase fuel consumption or dangerous emissions. However, this is an unwarranted blanket condemnation since not all modifications are bad; in most cases, it's only the ones geared at increased performance that increase pollution. Here are three types of modifications that are actually good for the environment:

Weight Reduction

Your car's weight has a big effect on your fuel consumption. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a car's mileage reduces by at least 1% for each additional 100 pounds. The more fuel the engine consumes, the more exhaust it will emit. It follows, therefore, that reducing your cars weight is good for the environment.  

Weight reducing modifications can take different approaches, such as:

• Removing unwanted parts – For example, if you buy a used car with a roof rack you won't need, you can remove it to reduce the car' weight.
• Replacing heavy parts with lighter alternatives – For example, you can replace heavy rims, body panels, windows and other heavy parts with lighter ones. It all depends on how far you are willing to go to reduce your car's weight.

Pickup Truck Caps

If you are driving a pickup with an open bed, the bed interferes with the aerodynamics (airflow) of the vehicle because it traps the wind. This reduces the fuel efficiency of the vehicle as it has to use more fuel to generate extra energy to overcome the drag.

Fortunately, the solution is as simple as installing a truck cap over the open bed. The cap allows smooth flow of air at the back of the truck. You can use standard truck caps, but there are also customized truck caps that slant from the cab to the tailgate and provide excellent aerodynamics.

Ground Cables

Today's cars rely on a plethora of electrical systems that require wires or cables to function. There are fuses stereos, navigation systems, and entertainment systems, among others. All these circuits require grounding for efficient and safe operation. The electrical systems of the car are connected to a common grounding cable connected to the car's battery.  

Unfortunately, most grounding cables aren't known for their durability. They are susceptible to melting at the connection point, corrosion, and loosening. All of these things reduce the resistance of the cable, which reduces the flow of electricity and interferes with the efficiency of the electrical systems of the car. For example, it can interfere with throttle response and lead to reduced fuel efficiency.

Fortunately, there are reliable and better grounding cables you can use to replace the existing ones. This is especially necessary if you use your car's electrical systems a lot or have installed extra electrical systems. In many cases, the original manufacture cable is a 10 or 12 gauge cable, which may not be adequate. Replacing it with a larger cable is likely to improve the electrical performance of your car. Contact a business, such as H & S Tire & Auto Center, for more information.   

26 May 2016