What is the purpose of car spoilers?

Ever wonder why some cars especially race cars and sports car, have that wing-like structure at the rear part of the vehicle? Is it useful or is it just an aesthetic car accessory? Well, this upside-down wing-shaped component present in most race cars is called spoilers.

Usually, it is installed on the rear part of the vehicle at the end of the roof. Originally, it is created by manufacturers for drag racing purposes.

Today, it is now used as a popular car accessory on some of the high-performance vehicle. Philkotse.com will better elaborate on the functions of car spoilers and if it is really useful to cars.

1. Uses and functions of spoilers

Boost Fuel Efficiency

The fascia and dams on the front part of the vehicle are also spoiler forms. These items improve airflow. It directs the head on the wind over, under and around the hood of the car. It allows the vehicle to spend less energy for it to propel forward resulting in the lesser use if fuel.

It greatly improves traction

The main purpose of a spoiler is to improve the vehicle's downforce when traveling at high speeds. Sports cars for example, often experience a small amount of lift when it's cruising. This makes it feel like the car's tires are pulling off the roadway.

The spoiler catches the airflow that leads to more downforce on the car. In turn, it lets the vehicle grip the road more tightly.

The main purpose of a spoiler is to improve the vehicle's downforce when traveling at high speeds

It makes the vehicle more visible

Spoilers became popular in the 1970s leading the way is the Porsche 911 along with other car models. However, it became widespread not only because spoilers looked cool, but because it added visibility on the back part of the car.

This lets approaching the car from behind, see the vehicle ahead better. This added visibility works better for spoilers equipped with brake lights.

Vehicle weight can be reduced

You might think that adding a piece of car accessory will only add weight rather than reduce it. Well, you’re right but in the case of spoilers, it indirectly reduces the weight of the vehicle.

This is because the spoiler in the rear part of the car improves the downforce. In addition to the front spoilers that reduce drag, carmakers use lightweight components which don’t weight so much.

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2. Types of Spoilers

There are different types of spoilers commonly used in cars.

Front Spoilers

This type of spoiler is also called air dam. These spoilers are aerodynamic enhancement fixed well below the front bumper of a car. This directs the flow of air towards the car’s radiator. It increases the aerodynamics by blocking the turbulent airflow under the chassis.

The air dam is commonly known with car owners with lots of power under the hood. This accessory is often made of lightweight plastic or metal.

Spoilers are aerodynamic enhancement fixed well below the front bumper of a car

Lip spoilers

This type of spoiler comes with two different variations, the front, and rear. The front lip spoiler is commonly used in conjunctions to the side skirts of the car. This makes the height of your vehicle look smaller. It also gives your car a much cooler silhouette by elongating the cover of the front bumper.

The rear lip spoiler is installed right below the boot lip. However, this type of lip spoiler is used for aesthetic purposes rather than enhanced performance.

Lip spoiler is one of the best choices when you want a subtler at the same time appealing upgrade. It delivers a very sporty image that can easily be recognized.

The rear lip spoiler is installed right below the boot lip. However, this type of lip spoiler is used for aesthetic purposes rather than enhanced performance

Truck spoilers

This type of spoiler is plainly for aesthetic enhancement. It is attached on the booth that comes with brake lights. It is an add-on to the two brake lights. So, every time the brake is applied, the brake light in the trunk spoiler will ignite with the other two.

This accessory when installing in the truck's rear will make the truck's appearance aggressive like a roadster.

Truck spoiler is the type of spoiler that is plainly for aesthetic enhancement

Pedestal spoiler

Pedestal spoilers are the actual aerodynamic enhancers. This is the spoiler that creates the needed amount of downward force on the car when installing in the rear part of the vehicle. This spoiler disrupts the aerodynamic drag and provides better performance and fuel economy.

It is fixed in the boot of the vehicle in the rear end. It may also be more or less of the same width as the car’s boot. A well-designed pedestal spoiler will not only improve the stability of the car but it can also modify and improve the look of the car.

Pedestal spoiler is the spoiler that creates the needed amount of downward force on the car when installing in the rear part of the vehicle

Roofline spoiler

Roofline spoiler is installed right in between the roofline and the rear window. It often comes with extra brake lights. It is commonly an add-on to SUVs, CUVs, Minivans, and Hatchbacks. This spoiler increases the overall performance and stability of the vehicle.  

Lighted spoiler

This type of spoiler is more of a safety enhancement rather than a performance enhancer. It is attached at the rear end of the car, decorated with LED lights. These lights are adjusted to the right height.

It is properly positioned so that the vehicles following will be able to see it easily. These LED lights can be seen even through thick fogs which makes driving safer.

It will only add optimal visibility and brightness from behind but it will also add style to the rear part of the car. This spoiler is noticeable both during day and night drive.

Lighted spoiler is more of a safety enhancement rather than a performance enhancer

There are different types of spoilers you can use depending on the type of vehicle you have and your car’s need for a spoiler. The advantages of the spoiler are very evident.

Instead of having a slow heavy car or a very light car that that easily slides away, spoilers will make your car stick better on the road once it speeds up. This is why spoilers are most commonly used in race cars and sports cars where it is driven at high speeds.

But today, even simple cars can install spoilers since it has different uses. It can either be for the aerodynamics effect, to boost the fuel efficiency, to improve traction, or simply to put extra aesthetics to the car.

Stay tuned and we will update more information for you on our car tips and advice.