Most manufacturers design vehicles as daily drivers, capable of appealing to the broadest range of people. Understandably, the parts that are used to construct these vehicles are fairly standard and inexpensive. This includes the air intake system. Stock air intake systems are functional in that they get the job done. However, your stock intake can be improved upon in order to achieve better performance and gas mileage. While a new system can be expensive, the results in the long run are well worth the initial investment.
Shop around. There are various cold air intake or induction kits on the market. Look for a make that fits your budget and needs. Some brands are more expensive than others while offering basically the same benefits. Purchase a performance-based air intake/induction kit and performance air filter that fit your vehicle.
Remove your old cold air intake/induction. These are usually simple to remove, depending on your vehicle's exact make and model. Oftentimes, they are held in place with a few clips and screws or small bolts.
Throw away your stock disposable air filter. These filters clog easily and ultimately reduce the amount of air available to your engine. An engine that struggles to get a good amount of quality air will waste more gas.
Hook up your new performance air intake/induction. The new intake will be designed to provide more cold air to your engine. The increase in airflow allows your engine to run more smoothly and efficiently. Cooler air has a higher concentration of oxygen, which further boosts the combustion process taking place within the engine. This not only provides greater power, it reduces the strain put on your engine by an intake that is too narrow/restrictive. All of these things contribute to improving your gas mileage.
Install your new performance air filter. Unlike the paper filter that came with your vehicle from the manufacturer, the performance air filter is designed to offer a greater flow of cleaner air to the engine. Once again, this increase in quality air helps your engine run better and thereby increases your fuel economy. Another benefit of performance air filters is that they can be cleaned and reused for as long as you have the vehicle. Thus, in addition to saving money on gas, you save cash by not having to purchase new filters.
