Air dam worth the effort

[Dogman]

Hi there, I am wondering how much improvement I will see if I were to do the old lawn edging air dam install under the front of my bumper and skirts along the sides of my 2007 Kia Rondo.
I travel 15-20 min each way to work in a 80 kph zone...and occasional local errands.
I would just be adding to and extending the current 2” lip on the front.
Unless it’s a noticeable difference I really don’t want to tackle it.
Thanks

[Daox]

If you're looking for guarantees you're in the wrong place. The effect is always unknown. However, usually an air dam is very simple to install, and their gains are usually pretty good. Our wiki page shows an average of almost 5% increase in fuel economy.

https://ecomodder.com/wiki/Front_air_dam

[Dogman]

Originally Posted by Daox

If you're looking for guarantees you're in the wrong place. The effect is always unknown. However, usually an air dam is very simple to install, and their gains are usually pretty good. Our wiki page shows an average of almost 5% increase in fuel economy.

https://ecomodder.com/wiki/Front_air_dam

Perhaps I will get my Scangauge first...run some baselines then do the airdam project.
Thnx

[oil pan 4]

If you actually keep to 80 kph the air dam effects would be less than if you were doing say 120 or so.
But with gas over $4 a gallon it's probably worth it.

How's the snow there?

Ever consider a block heater to reduce or eliminate warm ups?

[Dogman]

Originally Posted by oil pan 4

If you actually keep to 80 kph the air dam effects would be less than if you were doing say 120 or so.
But with gas over $4 a gallon it's probably worth it.

How's the snow there?

Ever consider a block heater to reduce or eliminate warm ups?

I usually drive at 90 kph so not to upset everybody behind me.
I do have a block heater that I plan to use this winter.
No snow here yet just outside of Toronto. Likely another month than anything goes.
That being said I will be putting my snow tires on at the end of October...there's another strike against me.

[oil pan 4]

As it gets colder maybe start with a partial grill block.
Just remember to identify the transmission if you have one and not cover it up.

[Dogman]

Originally Posted by oil pan 4

As it gets colder maybe start with a partial grill block.
Just remember to identify the transmission if you have one and not cover it up.

Yes good idea.
The lower opening of the front of car is for the tranny....major overkill IMO considering the size of tranny cooling rad.

[freebeard]

Others have reported that an airdam didn't improve MPG but did improve stability in buffeting crosswinds, like passing or meeting a truck.

[mpg_numbers_guy]

The air dam was among my top three mods for fuel economy, along with increased tire pressure and HX wheel swap.

It would be fairly safe to say that an airdam would improve the fuel economy of an average vehicle by 2%-6%. Results will vary from vehicle to vehicle. Generally speaking, the smoother the underbody of a car is, the smaller the effect from an air dam. If your underbody is completely smooth, an air dam may actually hurt your fuel economy.

[Dogman]

Originally Posted by mpg_numbers_guy

The air dam was among my top three mods for fuel economy, along with increased tire pressure and HX wheel swap.

It would be fairly safe to say that an airdam would improve the fuel economy of an average vehicle by 2%-6%. Results will vary from vehicle to vehicle. Generally speaking, the smoother the underbody of a car is, the smaller the effect from an air dam. If your underbody is completely smooth, an air dam may actually hurt your fuel economy.

If I could get a 6% improvement I’d be very happy.
The underneath of my Rondo is an aerodynamic nightmare IMO.
I will do the lawn edging mod once I set my Scangauge to set an accurate baseline.😉👍
Just need to figure out how to fasten the side skirts....was actually thinking of using the industrial strength Velcro