Will Dual Exhausts Increase Fuel Mileage?

Gas mileage is an important factor in choosing a new vehicle or upgrading your current ride. One way to improve your gas mileage is by increasing your car's air intake. There are numerous ways to increase air intake, including installing dual exhausts.

Single vs. Dual

  • A dual exhaust system will increase the gas mileage of your vehicle. Above and beyond increasing your gas mileage, an added bonus to choosing a dual exhaust system is an increase in horsepower.

Types

  • There are two types of dual exhaust systems: true dual exhaust and dual exiting exhaust. Dual exiting exhaust systems have one catalytic converter, one muffler and a split tailpipe. True dual exhaust systems have two catalytic converters, two mufflers and and two tailpipes.

Exhaust Systems and Engines

  • Cars with four-cylinder engines cannot have a true dual exhaust system installed because they have only one exhaust manifold. Vehicles with six- or eight-cylinder engines have exhaust manifolds on both sides of the engine and therefore can accommodate a true dual exhaust system.

Tailpipes

  • Contrary to popular belief, having one or two tailpipes makes no difference in your engine's performance. This is merely a cosmetic choice.