Installing a spoiler on a car provides a variety of
benefits for owners. The main benefits, perhaps, are for better traction and to
add a sporty look, but also include other advantages, such as increased fuel
efficiency, added visibility, reduced car weight, and braking stability.
Benefit 1: Maintain Traction
The main benefit of installing a spoiler on a car is to
help it maintain traction at very high speeds. Generally, when a car goes very
fast (over 70 miles per hour), the air pressure can lift the car, which makes
it difficult to maneuver the car without the danger of having it spin out of
control. Rear spoilers,
in particular, push the back of the car down so the tires can grip the road
better and increase stability.
Benefit 2: Increase Fuel Efficiency
Front car spoilers or air dams can actually increase gas
mileage in some cars. Since these types of spoilers reduce the drag (instead of
increasing it) by pushing the air around the car, it does lower the amount of
energy (fuel) the car needs to burn to propel itself forward.
Benefit 3: Added Visibility
Another advantage of installing a rear spoiler on a car
is the added visibility. This means other drivers on the road can easily see
the car and prevent rear-end collisions and other types of accidents. Certain
spoilers, such as trunk cap spoilers,
even have brake lights at eye-level so the driver behind can easily be alerted
when the car is slowing down or braking.
Benefit 4: Reduce Weight
Believe it or not, a spoiler can reduce the weight of a
vehicle. While this may seem counterintuitive, it makes sense in a way. The
only thing keeping a car stable on the road is its weight. Perhaps that’s why
many people have this perception that SUVs are much safer, because their
heavier mass keeps them steady. However, having a spoiler means that the car manufacturer
can reduce the weight of the car by using lighter materials or doing away with
unnecessary weight, without worry that driving at high speeds will cause the
car to become unsteady and fly off the highway.
Benefit 5: Create a Stylish Look
Most car owners install spoilers as a fashion accessory
and spoilers do a pretty good job of making a car look cool. This idea first
became popular in the 1970s, when Porsche introduced the 911 Turbo, which
featured whale tail spoilers on the back. Today, many cars come with built-in spoilers to evoke that
"sporty" look, though many aftermarket spoilers are available for a
wide variety of car makes and models.
Benefit 6: Increase Braking Stability
Adding spoilers that raise the downward force on the back
of the car not only increases traction, but the braking ability as well.
Drivers will have an easier time braking, even at high speeds, making driving
even safer.
Conclusion
A spoiler is a car accessory that changes the
aerodynamics of a car. It’s usually a separate device added to the rear of a
vehicle, though there are some types of spoilers that are added to the front
bumper. There are many different types of spoilers today, but they can be best
classified according to where they are positioned on the car. These types of
spoilers include pedestal spoilers, front spoilers, lip spoilers, and wings.
Adding a spoiler to a car is not all about looks. While
many people may sneer at fancy spoilers on street cars, these actually do
provide other advantages. There are six different benefits to installing a
spoiler on a car, including added traction, increased fuel efficiency, added
visibility, reduced weight, enhanced style, and increased braking ability. With
thousands of items being listed at any given time, buyers will surely find the
right type of spoilers they need on eBay Motors.
Types of Spoilers
There are various types of aftermarket spoilers available
today in various designs and types of materials. However, perhaps the best way
to categorize spoilers is by where they will be mounted on the car, as this
will also determine how they can improve a car’s performance. The chart below
summarizes the common types of spoilers:
Pedestal Spoiler - A popular type of spoiler found in the rear of a car, on
top of the trunk; improves stability while adding a stylish look
Front Spoiler - Added to the front of the car to lessen the drag created
by rear spoilers; blocks any unstable air currents from entering the chassis;
also called an air dam
Lip Spoiler - Smaller and sleeker than regular rear spoilers; usually
added for aesthetics, but can be useful in reducing lift at higher speeds
Wings - A type of spoiler seen on race cars and some customized
street cars; much larger than regular rear spoilers and mounted on a bracket or
pedestal; generates a down force that creates a drag to stabilize the vehicle
Most car owners add spoilers to their cars to create
a sporty look associated with race cars. Many types of spoilers add a sleek and
stylish form to the car, but people who drive in the city or suburbs under 70
miles per hour may not see any immediate changes. However, people who do
serious highway driving can benefit most from adding spoilers.
