Build & Grill with Tyler Smith: The Show DIYers and Foodies Have Been Waiting For

If your household is divided between fans of DIY shows and cooking shows, Family Handyman has a new one that will put an end to all of the “what should we watch” debates once and for all. Build & Grill with Tyler Smith has the best of both worlds, combining host Smith’s love of cooking with his DIY expertise, making it the bingeable new show that’s perfect for your summer watchlist. It begins streaming on At Home with Family Handyman Saturdays at 8 PM EST starting July 11.

Each episode of Build & Grill with Tyler Smith follows Smith through three stages: He takes on an outdoor project that will up his hosting game (think fire pits and outdoor video projectors!), grills up a delicious meal, and then hosts a dinner for his family at the end of the day.

Smith’s projects are geared toward everyday DIYers who want to spruce up their own spaces. It’ll take some real work on your end to pull off the same builds as Smith — there’s no denying that — but the projects are designed with replication in mind. Plus, you could follow along with the series and plan out your own end-of-project celebration meals to keep you on track. Whether they’re as tightly themed as Smith’s menus or not, delicious food and fun DIYs are winning combinations.

Smith’s projects don’t stand alone — they build on each other week after week, until his backyard is a full-blown entertainer’s dream. As a bonus, the yard has plenty of produce just waiting to be added to that week’s dinner spread. If you take on all of the projects from the season, be prepared to become the default party host in your circle of friends. Might as well put all that hard work to good use.

At Home with Family Handyman is currently available on Samsung TV Plus, XUMO, The Roku Channel, LG Channels, Plex, fuboTV, and Sling Freestream. You can also stream At Home with Family Handyman for free through the Family Handyman app on iOS, Apple TV, Android, AndroidTV, FireTV and Roku devices.

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My Brand New Basement Smelled Like a Sewage — You’ll Never Guess What Caused It

Welcome to Domestic Disasters, where we take a look at some of your worst mess-ups and grossest finds. We take them to the experts to find out how big of a problem they are and how expensive they are to fix.

A couple of years ago, Marisa and her husband finished their basement and added a half bathroom. With four children in the house, the extra space was a relief — until recently, when a stinky odor developed. “My children started blaming one another for farting, until the smell became unbearable,” she says. “It was clear something more was wrong.”

Marisa’s husband sniffed down the offender. Inside a small closet near the bathroom, the downstairs sewage was overflowing. The submersible sewage pump had stopped working, and apparently, the alarm that should have warned them about it had also malfunctioned.

In an effort to DIY a fix, he loosened the bolts on the pump, inadvertently unleashing a sewage backup. “My husband is pretty handy, but plumbing isn’t his wheelhouse,” she says.

What They Tried

The plumber couldn’t get there until the next day, so her husband ran a wet vac, for more than an hour, collecting the spillage until it subsided. By that time, the smell had crept upstairs, engulfing the kitchen and living room. “The whole house stunk,” she says.

After inspecting the scene, the plumber informed them of the problem: a wad of baby wipes had jammed the pump motor’s impeller. “Presumably, our toddler was the culprit here, since the big kids know better,” she says.

The fix was only around $150, but it took 24 hours for the smell to subside. “And lesson learned: we no longer keep baby wipes in that bathroom!” she says.

Now the only off-putting smells in the house are actual farts from the kids. But did Marisa and her husband fix the problem the right way?

A Pro Weighs In

We spoke to some experts to learn whether Marisa and her husband handled the situation correctly, plus how to prevent such grossness from unfolding in other people’s homes. Here’s what they said, plus a little background on these pumps.

Submersible sewer pumps, aka sewage ejector pumps, raise waste from downstairs plumbing up to the level of a home’s main sewage drain line. They are common in houses with basement plumbing. “Most homeowners don’t know what a sewage ejector pump is, or think it’s the same thing as a sump pump, until it backs up,” says Mark Kay, founder and editor of SepticTankHub.

There are a number of reasons sewer pumps can fail, including jammed float switches, bad check valves, normal wear and tripped circuits, but clogged impellers are the most common.

“Many of the sewage pump failures we see come from flushing things that shouldn’t be flushed,” says master plumber Aaron Adams. “Feminine products and wipes labeled as flushable are the most notorious killers. Dental floss can also get tangled in them.”

As for the sewage pump alarm, those typically fail from electrical issues, like tripped breakers, faulty wiring or dead backup batteries.

And once a pump stops working, the problem can quickly turn dire, with sewage backing up in toilets, showers and eventually onto floors. That biohazard not only has the potential to cause health issues, it requires major remediation before mold becomes an issue.

Did the Homeowners Get it Right?

Partly. “They fought to contain the overflow, and they had a plumber out the very following day,” says Key. “That urgency really helped to contain the damage.”

But, our expert says the way they handled the overflow was dangerous. “I get the panic; when it’s flooded like that, you do what you can, but it means direct exposure to raw sewage and its gases,” says Kay. Also, floors and walls that come into contact with sewage should be cleaned by a professional water remediation company to prevent mold, says Adams.

How The Pros Would Handle It

The first step a pro would take is to block inflow into the system by shutting off the water to the whole home, then disconnecting the power to the pump at the breaker. “As soon as a pump failure is detected, all water usage should stop,” says Adams.

Next, a pro would ventilate the area before figuring out what’s wrong with the pump. Once it’s repaired, they’d test the rest of the system and recommend a water remediation company.

The Panic Meter

We rank Domestic Disasters on a four-point scale.

• Do It Yourself: The easiest issues to fix. You can handle it all on your own.
• Phone a Friend: This issue might require a little outside assistance.
• Call a Pro: This situation warrants professional assistance.
• SOS: Problems that are so dangerous, you’re directly at risk of injury or worse.

When addressed early on, sewage ejector pump issues can be DIY-able, but it can be tricky to diagnose larger issues, which means calling a pro is usually the best course of action. “If a pump is clogged with wipes and hygiene products, a homeowner could attempt to clear the debris, but this is a very messy, unsanitary job, plus the float switch needs to be carefully set to ensure proper function,” says Adams.

The Cost Differential

If you periodically test the alarm and take action to clear a clog right away, the DIY costs should run between $0 and $50. That includes basic supplies like gloves, disinfectant and a new alarm battery. If your system doesn’t have a high water alarm, having one installed one typically runs from $100 to $300.

Hiring a plumber to diagnose and clear a clog usually costs between $150 and $600. That could increase by $500 to $2,000 or more, depending on whether you need a new pump, float or other parts.

But, if the problem is neglected or ignored, costs can quickly escalate, soaring into the thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars for expert sewage remediation and replacing flooring, drywall and other finishes. “The math is brutal,” says Kay. “A $20 battery and two minutes a month separates you from a five-figure cleanup.”

The Right Way to Fix Sewage Ejector Pumps

• Shut off water to the house, to prevent adding to the overflow.
• Cut the power to the pump at the breaker, before you touch anything wet in the basement. Also, for safety, unplug the pump motor and float switch, since some pumps are hardwired.
• Ventilate the space by opening windows and running a fan to clear out sewer gas before anyone spends time there.
• Use PPE, including heavy-duty rubber gloves, eye protection, an N-95 mask, pants and boots.
• Vacuum up excess sewage with a wet vac.
• Call a plumber.

In Marisa’s case, the plumber was able to clear the wipes from the impeller, plus inspect the float switch and check valve. “This is where the homeowners nailed the job,” says Kay. “Next-day service kept the damage contained.”

If You Choose to DIY

• Protect the area around the pump with old towels or plastic.
• Get a bucket ready to collect what you pull from the pump.
• Disconnect the line going from the pump at the check valve.
• Remove the lid of the pump basin.
• Reach into the pit and lift the pump by its handle
• Set the pump into the bucket, then clean out any debris. Pliers will help.
• Try to turn the impeller. If it moves, that means you’ve successfully cleared it.
• Remove any wipes or other debris from the pump basin.
• Replace the battery on the alarm and test the alarm to make sure it triggers.
• Refill the pit with clean water from a hose.
• Reinstall the pump, making sure the float switch can float freely

After repairs, test the system by putting water into the basin. “Confirm the pump activates at the correct level, discharges effectively and shuts off properly,” says Joseph Wade of Benjamin Franklin Plumbing. “This ensures the system is fully operational, not just temporarily fixed.”

Call a Water Remediation Specialist

You might be able to safely DIY this part of the job by disinfecting everything the sewage touched, but if it reached flooring, drywall or framing, it’s time to call in a pro. “Don’t gamble with mold in a finished basement,” says Kay.

How to Prevent Submersible Sewer Pump Issues

• Put only toilet paper and human waste down the drain. Never flush wipes, even if they’re labeled as “flushable.”
• Test the alarm every month or two by hitting the test button or lifting the float. Replace the battery once a year.
• Pour a bucket of water into the basin every few months to confirm the pump is cycling on and off cleanly.
• Get the pump professionally inspected yearly, and have the basin pumped and cleaned of sediment every three to five years. “A pro inspection runs about $100–$300 and is the best-value maintenance you can buy” says Kay.
• Add a battery backup or Wi-Fi smart alarm, which will text your phone if something goes wrong while you’re away.
• Replace your pump before it fails. Pumps typically last seven to 10 years, or longer with good maintenance.
• Check pumps more often if you have a high water table or live in a flood zone. In cold climates, ensure the discharge line and vent can’t freeze.

“Because they move waste from below the sewer line, a lot of strain can be placed on these pumps,” says Wade. “They need regular maintenance to ensure they are running efficiently.”

Also, keep an eye, ear and nose out for early signs of failure. Besides a sewage smell, those can include gurgling or slow-draining drains, water or moisture around the basin lid, strange noises coming form the pump and a pump that never runs or runs constantly.

What the Homeowner Learned

“It really does matter what you flush down the toilet!” says Marisa. “And don’t start taking things apart if you don’t know what you’re doing. While my husband didn’t cause any damage by trying to unscrew the lid on the pump, it caused whatever was already up in the pipe came rushing down, and surely made the situation worse.”

Also, Marisa recommends installing a smart sensor for extra protection. She recommends this one, which they now have.

About the Experts

• Mark Kay is the founder and editor of SepticTankHub, a free, data-driven directory for homeowners to find and compare verified septic and wastewater professionals. He pens the site’s homeowner guides on pump alarms, system maintenance and how to avoid expensive backups.
• Aaron Adams is a master plumber with more than 20 years of experience. He’s also CEO of Aaron Services: Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, which serves the north Atlanta, Georgia, area.
• Joseph Wade is VP of Operations at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, which operates in more than 300 locations across North America.

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How to Turn Your Yard Into a Refuge for Fireflies

Watching blinking fireflies on warm evenings has been a hallmark of American summers for generations. These misnomered insects (they’re actually beetles) not only give us enjoyment, but play a critical role in healthy ecosystems. Unfortunately, this symbol of summer is declining in numbers, due in large part to human habits and behaviors. The good news is that we can help reverse this trend, starting in our own backyards.

Read on to learn how to make your yard safe for fireflies and how you can help encourage their survival for future generations.

Understanding Firefly Environments

There are over 100 firefly species found across most of North America, but only those east of the Rockies blink their bioluminescence on summer evenings. However, all fireflies have certain needs for food, water and shelter that are becoming more difficult to meet in our modern world.

Food: Newly hatched larvae eat voraciously as they grow and mature into adult fireflies. They rely on snails, worms and slugs primarily. “As adults, their diet varies,” Dellinger says. “Some eat nectar or pollen, some eat other firefly species and some don’t eat at all during their short adult life of about two months.”

Water: Fireflies require damp areas with moist soil and high humidity levels. Their primary food sources as larvae (snails and slugs) are found in these environments, and their soft bodies can quickly dehydrate in dry conditions.

Shelter: As they progress through the life cycle, fireflies need different shelter types. Eggs and larvae need leaf litter, fallen logs and damp, healthy soil. Adult needs differ. “Adults require varying heights of vegetation, such as native long grasses, shrubs, and trees, because different species prefer to flash from different heights (some from the ground, others perched high up),” Dellinger says.

Common Threats To Fireflies

Pesticide use, habitat loss, artificial light at night (ALAN) and climate change are all contributing to declining firefly populations.

The Impact of Outdoor Lighting

ALAN is likely the leading reason why we’re seeing fewer fireflies each summer. They need darkness to effectively use their bioluminescence, which serves a critical species function.

“Fireflies are actually beetles that ‘light up’ to attract a mate,” Dellinger says. “Outdoor lighting can interfere with this process, making it harder for the fireflies to find their mates and thereby decreasing the population of the next generation.”

Creating a Natural Firefly Habitat

Encourage fireflies to grow, mate and reproduce in your yard by employing a few simple habits.

Leave the leaves

Instead of raking up and removing all the leaves from your yard in the fall, consider letting some remain as a habitat for firefly larvae. “By leaving the leaves, or moving them to your garden beds to rest undisturbed, you’re supporting entire hidden worlds of wildlife,” Dellinger says.

Leave some woody debris

While rotting logs and sticks may be unsightly on wooded edges, they’re critical hunting grounds for firefly larvae. Leave some in place for hungry larvae to find food.

Plant in layers

Plan your landscape to include a variety of plant heights. “Grow a mix of native canopy trees like native pines, shrubs like buttonbush, and native grasses or wildflowers like switchgrass and goldenrod,” Dellinger says. “This gives them places to seek shelter and different heights to flash from.”

Reconsider manicured lawns

Plant native plants along lawn edges, especially those that border wooded areas. Native plants don’t require pesticides or fertilizers like grass does, allowing fireflies to flourish. Also, consider mowing a section of your lawn less frequently. “Female fireflies frequently sit on tall blades of grass waiting for males to flash overhead,” Dellinger suggests.

Fix your lighting

Avoid outdoor lights, especially at dusk or early evening, to allow fireflies to find each other in the darkness. If security lights are non-negotiable, switch to motion-activated lighting and use yellow bulbs, which are less disruptive to firefly mating signals.

Avoiding Pesticides

Pesticides used to prevent mosquitoes, grubs and ticks are also killing fireflies. Lawn treatments like grub killers inadvertently kill firefly larvae’s main food source, leading to fewer fireflies reaching adulthood. Tick and mosquito pesticides kill adult fireflies on contact.

Instead of pesticides, adopt integrated pest management techniques to keep pest populations down. For mosquitoes, remove standing water and plant aromatic plants like citronella instead. Apply milky spore to lawns to kill damaging grubs and add nematodes (harmless worms that feed on grubs in the soil).

FAQ

Do fireflies need water?

Fireflies must have damp, humid conditions to survive.

When are fireflies most active?

Fireflies are most active at dusk. “To see the fireflies, go outside as the sun is going down but it’s not completely dark yet,” Dellinger says. “They emerge in late spring-early summer.”

 About the Experts

• Julie Dellinger is a marketing director and content creator at Garden for Wildlife, a National Wildlife Federation program that promotes native gardening education.

RELATED:

• 7 Reasons Why Your Houseplants Might Stink
• 8 Must-Know Tips to Drought-Proof Your Lawn
• Tired of Raking Leaves? Plant These Trees Instead

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T-Mobile Forces Veteran Customers Into More Expensive Plan

Many of us have a love-hate relationship with our cell service providers. We depend on them for many of our communication needs, but we also often resent rate hikes and other inconveniences. One thing we generally count on, however, is that our plan won’t change for the duration of the contract. Apparently, this is not always the case. Thousands of T-Mobile customers just found out that their plans will be changing soon. The catch? Many of these people are currently on a T-Mobile plan that was supposed to be prevented from changing.

Is My T-Mobile Plan Changing?

According to a report by Gadget Review, the change will bump “legacy Magenta, ONE, and Simple Choice customers onto pricier 5G plans mid-July.” These plans do come with a five-year fixed price guarantee, but there’s some fine print. The Gadget Review article observes that “T-Mobile’s five-year guarantee excludes fees, which the carrier has already raised twice in one year.” Customers who are losing their old plans are looking at a price increase of up to 60% in some cases.

Is This Legal?

Many customers are already questioning the legality surrounding this change. Back in 2017, T-Mobile introduced a series of new promises for customers, including the “Un-contract.” Per their own press release, the Un-contract “notched another industry first with the first-ever price guarantee on an unlimited 4G LTE plan.” This price guarantee was supposed to be permanent. Customers on the T-Mobile ONE plan were told that they got to “keep their price until THEY decide to change it. T‑Mobile will never change the price you pay for your T‑Mobile ONE plan. When you sign up for T‑Mobile ONE, only YOU have the power to change the price you pay.”

T-Mobile isn’t the only cell provider to pull something like this. Gadget Review notes that both AT&T and Verizon have also updated their legacy plans, but adds that (unlike in T-Mobile’s case) “neither staked its entire identity on never pulling this move.” The company claims that the updated plans feature newer offerings, including 5G, but it remains to be seen if the mandatory switch will be upheld.

What Can I Do?

As of right now, there’s not yet a class action lawsuit. You’ll have to look at your bill to find out when and how it will change. If you find the new prices too high, it’s worth checking them against other cell providers, both large companies and small, to see where you can get the best rate.

Sources

T-Mobile Just Ripped 8 Million Customers Off Their Grandfathered Plans – and Raised Their Bills, Gadget Review, 2026.

The Un-carrier Goes ‘All In.’ T‑Mobile ONE Now Includes Taxes & Fees., T-Mobile, 2017.

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Need Better Sleep? Your Phone Can Double as a White Noise Machine

We know getting a good night’s sleep regularly is important for our health, but that’s not always easy to do. Temperature fluctuations, distractions, stress from the day, and more can all work to keep you up at night. While there’s some research suggesting that noise at night isn’t the best solution, many people find white noise a helpful sleep aid that consistently soothes them to sleep at night.

If that describes you, then we have good news! You don’t have to shell out for an expensive machine. Instead, you can use your phone to create white noise to help you sleep.

How to Make Your iPhone a White Noise Machine

The white noise capability is built right into iPhones operating on iOS 15 and newer. Simply go to Settings, navigate to “Accessibility,” and select “Audio and Visual.” From there, go to “Background Sounds” and toggle that setting to “On.” From there, you’ll be able to pick a few different option including white noise and an assortment of nature sounds. Adjust the volume to your liking, and you’re set!

If you’ve enabled Siri, you can ask the virtual assistant to play white noise or any of the other sounds from the menu. This way you don’t have to sift through the layers of the Settings menu to get there. But whichever method you prefer, you’ll have your white noise ready to go quickly.

Alternatives

If you don’t like the ambient noise options built into your phone, there are plenty of white noise apps on the market you can try as well. Several are free or have free options, so you can still save money going this route. Play around with a couple to see what works best for your sleep needs.

Source

How to Play White Noise on iPhone and Android Phones, Consumer Cellular, 2026.

RELATED:

• See a Green Dot on Your Android Phone? Here’s What It Means
• If You Get a USPS Scam Text, You Need To Do This Immediately
• This Is How Often You Should Restart Your Phone

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Your Car’s Gas Tank Probably Has This Secret Feature You Never Noticed

For most drivers, the routine of filling up a car with a tank of gas has become muscle memory. It’s an expensive but necessary task for any daily driver, and if you asked most people, they’d probably say they have the process down to a T.

But what if I told you there’s a part of gassing up a car that many people are probably unaware of? Turns out, there’s a small but highly convenient feature hidden in plain sight on many gas tank doors— and it’s more common than you might think.

The Secret Cap Holder

Still don’t believe me? Let’s watch as TikToker Stephanie Booth shows exactly how this nifty little feature works (and where you can look for it on your own vehicle).

@stephanieboothhome Did you know your car has a gas cap holder? #carhack #lifehack #tiktokpartner #learnontiktok #carhelp ♬ Dandelions – The Young Ebenezers

As you can see, Stephanie highlights two metal brackets on the backside of her car’s fuel flap. While these might go unnoticed or ignored by many drivers, they’re actually a very intentional part of your vehicle’s design.

Most of the time, gas caps are connected to a car via a small plastic tether. Letting the gas cap hang from that tether while you fuel up might seem fine, but it’s not ideal. A hanging gas cap can bump into your car, causing scuffs in the paint, and it’s also more vulnerable to being damaged. And if that plastic tether connecting your gas cap to the car snaps, the odds you’ll end up losing it increase exponentially.

That’s why this secret cap holder exists. All you have to do is unscrew the cap and set it into the bracket. The metal will hold the cap in place, keeping it from scraping or scratching your vehicle and protecting it from any potential harm.

Another benefit is that when you put your gas cap in the holder, you won’t be able to close your gas cap if it’s still in there. That means you won’t have to worry about absentmindedly forgetting to put the cap back on your gas tank and driving away with it dangling from the side of your car— not that that’s ever happened to me, of course.

Related

• Do You Know What That Little Button on Your Seat Belt Is For?
• What Those Lines on Your Backup Camera Really Tell You
• Here’s What The Small Panel On Your Car’s Front Bumper Is For

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These Car Accessories Could Be Killing Your Gas Mileage

Since the 1970s, I have only owned station wagons or SUVs, plus I do not mess with the looks of my cars. However, I am guilty of adding factory accessories that negatively affect fuel mileage, such as roof rack cross rails, mud flaps, running boards, wind deflectors, and towing packages.

All these accessories alter aerodynamics, weight, rolling resistance and load-lessening MPG, but adding a little pizzazz to my cars—sort of like jewelry, giving them a polished look. And I’m not the only one.

According to  Specialty the Equipment Market Association (SEMA), “U.S. consumers spent over $52 billion dollars accessorizing and modifying their vehicles” in 2024. Additionally, Research and Markets forecasts the Car Modification Market will grow to over $80 billion dollars by 2034. Custom car enthusiasts want to build something that reflects their style and taste. People customize their cars to express personality, increase performance, driving pleasure, or sometimes even to solve problems.

Unfortunately, adding accessories, even original equipment manufacturers (OEM) approved, and dealer-installed add-ons destroy gas mileage. Here, experts explain how common accessories quietly diminish MPG.

How Car Accessories Affect Fuel Economy

Manufacturers design and build cars to squeeze every mile out of a drop of gasoline to achieve maximum fuel economy. Everything from the headlights, hood, windshield angle, door handles to the antenna is mounted in such a way to increase cars’ aerodynamics.

Anything that adds drag or forces the engine to work harder eats away at MPG. For example, “JustAnswer” Auto Expert Chris Pyle, says, “Body kits and rear wings that state your car will become more aerodynamic, so you get better MPG. Actually, they grab more wind because anything that sticks out into the airflow increases drag, forcing you to apply more throttle, and making the engine work harder just to maintain the same speed as without these add-ons.”

Even glue on hood scopes causes turbulence that affects MPG.

“Mounted equipment can hinder vehicles from having a streamlined airflow over the vehicle cabin,” said Eliot Vancil at Fuel Logic LLC. Even small items such as window deflectors to deter wind buffeting or light bars affect fuel economy.

“While the effect of most add-ons is usually small, adding multiple accessories can quickly lower MPG,” said Vancil.

The Impact of Roof Racks

Because it sits in the cleanest, highest‑pressure airflow [area] on the vehicle, “even when not carrying cargo, car roof racks cause aerodynamic drag and reduce your gas mileage,” said Vancil. Even though I am a fan of roof racks, the increased head-on mass creates turbulence over the roof, forcing the engine to work harder to maintain speed, especially above 55 MPH.

To enhance my 1978 Pontiac LeMans station wagon, I added a factory rear wind deflector, even though I knew it would cut the fuel economy by one MPG. Added Vancil, “Roof racks can reduce fuel economy up to five MPG.” He suggests removing the crossbars when you are not using them. Always observe the roof rack’s weight limits and properly tie down the load.

Lift Kits and Vehicle Modifications

By raising the suspension, lift kits expose the body’s undercarriage, which creates more underbody turbulence. “If the vehicle frame geometry is changed due to a modification, the altered suspension [angles] increases rolling resistance and rotational mass,” said Vancil. Why do you think racing cars are so low to the ground? Being lower reduces air flow under the car, lowering turbulence and drag while increasing stability at high speed.

Even a small two-inch lift can result in one to three MPG loss. An aggressive off‑road modification [that includes heavier tires and added components] can result in a 20 percent MPG loss. Driving with the tailgate down doesn’t help improve fuel mileage either.

Heavy Aftermarket Accessories

Although they add visual appeal, as well as functionality, a custom truck bed storage system can weigh between 200 and 250 pounds, empty. Other weighty items, such as steel (chrome) bumpers, winches, skid plates, rock sliders, rollbars, cab covers, bull bars or cargo organizers all increase a vehicle’s weight.

Adding significant weight hurts fuel economy, particularly during city stop‑and‑go driving. “Every extra 100 pounds will lower MPG by one to two percent, or more,” said Pyle. He added, a full coverage package that protects the engine, transmission, transfer case and fuel tank of “off‑road armor easily can add 200 to 400 pounds [additional weight] before you even load gear.”

The added weight forces your engine to work harder, which means you’ll need to push the throttle harder [using more gas] to reach and hold the same speed you’d get without the added accessories. Like racing cars, less weight equals more speed with better fuel economy.

FAQ

Are larger tires always worse for fuel economy?

It depends. Yes, heavier wheels coupled with larger tires are almost always worse for fuel economy. Larger tires increase rotational mass, rolling resistance, and often have more aggressive tread, which reduces MPG. The biggest MPG losses come from wider, heavier, or off-road pattern tires. “A wider tread requires a greater amount of power to keep it moving at highway speed, potentially increasing fuel usage 10 percent,” said Vanci.

Although some factory wheels may lack visual appeal, OEM wheel designs are made to help achieve greater efficiency and safety. On the other hand, if tires with an overall larger diameter made from low rolling resistance compounds and are fitted correctly (called tire fitment—a tricky set of calculations that do not affect the delicate balance between tire performance and safety), this can increase MPG.

Is a hitch-mounted cargo carrier more efficient than a roof box?

Although a hitch-mounted cargo carrier may lower MPG up to two percent, a hitch-mounted cargo carrier is practically always more efficient than a roof box. Depending on the speed, size and shape of the roof box, expect to see a 10 to 25 percent MPG drop. Even modern aerodynamic rooftop cargo shells can cause up to a five MPG loss. A hitch carrier sits in the vehicle’s aerodynamic slipstream, causing minimal drag.

“A roof box is a large, blunt obstruction that just grabs more wind, causing resistance,” said Pyle. “Mounted equipment hampers vehicles from maintaining a smooth, streamlined airflow over the vehicle.”

About the Experts

Chris “Moose” Pyle is a master-certified technician with 20-plus years of automotive experience. He has also worked as an expert for JustAnswer since 2006, where he answered hundreds of car maintenance and repair questions a day. (Electronic communications June 16, 2026)

Eliot Vancil is CEO of Fuel Logic LLC, a Dallas, Texas-based company specializing in comprehensive fuel management solutions, including delivery of various diesel types and gasoline nationwide. (Electronic communications June 16, 2026)

Resources

Steve Haney, Corporate Technical Trainer at Bosch Mobility Aftermarket (June 16, 2026)

Jim DeLeo, Northeast Division Manager at Hunter Engineering Company (June 17, 2026)

Bodyshop Business: “SEMA Releases New Market Report on Consumer Trends in Aftermarket” (Published July 1, 2025)

Car and Driver: “Decked Drawers Pickup Truck Bed Storage System” (Aug 2024)

Research and Markets: “Car Modification Market Outlook 2025-2034: Market Share, and Growth Analysis By Type (Overall Modification, Local Modification), By Category (Performance, Cosmetic), By Vehicle, By Sales Channel Type” (Published Aug 2025)

U.S. Department of Energy: “Find and Compare Cars Fuel Information” (May 13, 2025)

U.S. Department of Energy: “Many Factors Affect MPG” (June 17, 2026)

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