Spoilers on cars: types and best models
Content
Spoilers are installed on the car at different places on the body. Depending on the place of installation, the functions of the body kit also differ.
Not all car owners know what a spoiler is on a car and what it is for. This attachment is designed to improve the aerodynamic characteristics of the body and to decorate it.
How a spoiler works
When tuning, they often install a car spoiler, or an aerodynamic body kit. A spoiler on a car is an element or a set of elements installed on the body in order to improve aerodynamics and appearance. Body kits redirect airflow, reducing aerodynamic drag. They give the body a more aggressive look, the model takes on the features of a cool sports car, similar to the Paris-Dakar racing cars.
The spoiler and wing on the car perform similar functions. A wing is a device similar to an airplane wing. But unlike the latter, it does not lift the car into the air, but presses it to the ground. The higher the speed, the stronger the air pressure will be. The wing is never small, it is never installed close to the body. And this is its main difference.
Installing a wing has its drawbacks. When moving at high speed, the load on the wheels increases, which leads to rapid tire wear. An erroneous installation of the wing will lead to the fact that it will “slow down” the car, increasing aerodynamic resistance.
The purpose of the spoiler is to redirect air flows. Parts are installed close to the body. The wing in the general sense is the same spoiler, but with a narrower set of functions. The purpose of the spoiler depends on where it is installed and what shape it has.
Do-it-yourself roof spoiler
Additionally, the installation of an aerodynamic body kit allows you to slightly adjust the shape of the body on hatchbacks and minivans. Turbulence is created behind the roof of such machines, which slows down the movement and increases fuel consumption. By installing a spoiler, you can somewhat reduce this effect.
But many drivers believe that car spoilers are needed to improve its appearance. This opinion has the right to exist, since the installation of additional equipment changes the shape of the body.
Prefabricated products, designed for a specific model and installed according to the regulations, improve driving performance and reduce fuel consumption. For tuning, you can contact a professional workshop, where factory-made aerodynamic body kit elements are supplied. But in order to save money, some drivers prefer to buy a "universal" spoiler in a car shop and install it with their own hands. This approach can have unpredictable consequences, and incorrectly installed elements degrade driving performance.
Types of spoilers for cars
There are several types of attached aerodynamic equipment. It is classified according to the place of installation and application.
Installing a wing
Having familiarized yourself with the types of spoilers on a car in advance, it will be easier to choose the right device.
At the place of installation
Spoilers are installed on the car at different places on the body. Depending on the place of installation, the functions of the body kit also differ.
Front
These are models that are not mounted on the hood, but on the bumper. They are often referred to as "bumper skirts". Purpose of the front element:
- reduction of air pressure on the front of the machine;
- increase in downforce;
- reducing friction by reducing resistance to air flow.
Installing a bumper skirt has a good effect on the operation of the cooling system, reducing the load.
Rear
The most common variety. The device is mounted on the trunk. Its main functions:
- increases the air pressure on top of the machine;
- relieves pressure under the bottom;
- reduces rear turbulence.
for the roof
This type of attachment is recommended to be installed on crossovers and hatchbacks. The name is not entirely correct, since it is not placed on the roof, but on the back door above the window.
Diffusers
Diffuser - a device that contributes to the correct distribution of air flows under the bottom. The device is a parallel channel, with the help of which the passage of air flow under the car is accelerated. Particularly effective are diffusers complete with a rear wing.
Lateral
Pads are attached to the thresholds of the car, they are often called side skirts. The purpose is to improve air permeability: the flow starts to move faster, which increases the stability of the machine. The device works well in conjunction with other attachments to improve aerodynamics.
By material
The stores offer a large selection of spoilers. For manufacturing use:
- fiberglass - a material with the addition of fiberglass and resin components;
- ABS plastic is an inexpensive material, but inferior in strength to other materials;
- carbon - carbon fiber that fully meets the requirements, but carbon body kits are quite expensive;
- silicone materials - a novelty that has good performance properties.
The device must be strong, light and resistant to wear.
By application
They produce special models of aerodynamic body kits designed for certain brands of cars. But there are also universal models.
Universal
This option is good for its availability, such a model can be purchased at any car dealership. But there are still no completely universal spoiler models. Equipment for cargo "Gazelles" is not suitable for VAZ. Therefore, the model will have to be selected according to size.
Special
Equipment designed specifically for a particular car model. Mounted and painted at the assembly stage.
You can make a spoiler to order. This tuning method is interesting in that a unique design can be developed. After all, many do not want their cars with a spoiler to look standard. After installing the spoiler, painting follows, the paint is selected to match the body shade, sometimes the part is painted black or a pattern is applied.
Models
Car dealerships have a large selection of mini-spoilers for cars - this car product is needed to give the car a cool look. They practically do not affect the aerodynamic qualities.
Spoiler types
The best universal models:
- Mini spoiler on the rear trunk lid, there are three color options.
- The pads attached to the side fenders are made of ABS plastic.
- R-EP is a universal sedans trunk pad, made of carbon fiber.
Body kits that improve aerodynamic characteristics are made for a specific brand of car, they are chosen not according to the picture, but according to their purpose.
Sometimes these details are called “spoller”, but it’s still correct through “th” - from the English spoil, which means “spoil”. Whether to install an additional spoller (or spoiler) on a car is a personal matter for everyone. Aerodynamics are positively affected only by properly installed standard models. All universal fairings are a decoration that, at best, will not affect driving performance in any way. If it is wrong to choose and install an aerodynamic body kit, then you can only worsen the situation by increasing the load on the car.
