Florida Teens' Wheel Covers Save Drivers $100 in Gas

When Brady Zink and Quinn Pasanen combined their love of cars with 3D printing technology, they created something that could save drivers real money at the pump.

The two Viera High School seniors designed Aerotyne Aero Covers, custom wheel covers that reduce drag on cars and save about $100 over 10,000 miles. Their innovation earned them third place at Florida's Space Coast Junior Achievement Social Innovation Challenge.

The pair, who graduated last month, focused their design on helping owners of older electric and gas vehicles. While basic wheel covers already exist, Zink and Pasanen saw an opportunity to make them better and more accessible.

"Our idea was to use 3D printing and 3D scanning technology, which just had a big boom recently, and use that to make clips that would attach to a standard sort of cover," Pasanen explained. The clips fit specific car models, making installation simple while the covers work to reduce wheel drag during driving.

Pasanen handled the design work while Zink tackled the business strategy. They presented their project first at Eastern Florida State College, where they made it into the final four teams competing at Florida Tech.

"We never really expected to do amazing, but we pitched it to the judges," Zink said. "We were passionate about it. We knew what we were talking about."

Their preparation paid off. The duo presented confidently without relying on slides, impressing judges with their technical knowledge and business acumen.

Why This Inspires

Both students received detailed feedback from business leaders serving as judges, gaining insights they plan to carry into their futures. Zink is heading to George Mason University on a swimming scholarship to study finance and aviation management, hoping to become a pilot. Pasanen will study engineering at the University of Florida.

Even if they don't develop the aero covers further, the experience taught them how to turn ideas into real products. "I would definitely use what I've learned here to launch other products, or other ideas I get in the future at college," Pasanen said.

Two students saw a problem, applied emerging technology, and created a practical solution that helps everyday drivers save money. That's innovation with purpose.