Ford Motor Company is exploring exciting new technology that could change how future vehicles manage aerodynamics and brake cooling. The automaker recently filed a patent for air flow-adjusting wheels, an innovation that may soon appear on upcoming Ford models. This patent, published in May 2025, describes a wheel design featuring a movable cover that controls airflow into the wheel body. The goal? To optimize efficiency during regular driving and enhance cooling during demanding conditions, such as spirited driving or heavy braking.

This development builds on Ford’s growing interest in active aerodynamic systems, which have become increasingly common not only in high-performance cars but across a wider range of vehicles. By adjusting how air interacts with the wheels, the system can reduce drag to improve fuel economy or electric range while ensuring brakes stay cool when needed. This smart balance could make driving more efficient and safer, particularly for models with heavier braking demands like trucks and SUVs.

The patented wheel covers automatically open or close depending on real-time conditions, closing to maximize aerodynamic efficiency during steady cruising and opening to allow airflow when brake temperatures rise. This level of automated control is designed to seamlessly support driver needs without any input required, exemplifying Ford’s commitment to integrating advanced, user-friendly technology in future vehicles.

Ford emphasized that filing patents is a routine part of its innovation process and does not necessarily guarantee these features will be in production models. Nonetheless, this inventive air flow-adjusting wheel concept highlights Ford’s focus on enhancing vehicle performance and efficiency while prioritizing customer needs. Stay tuned as Ford continues to pioneer smart solutions that may soon roll onto the road.