Car spoilers are becoming more and more common in modern vehicles.
Whether for aesthetic or aerodynamic purposes, this application and the resulting airflow can be seen used more and more frequently in cars to increase their efficiency.
In this article, we’ll be explaining the purpose of the component, if you need to update a car’s registration certificate (log book) after installing a spoiler, and the difference between spoilers and rear wings. Keep reading!
What is a car spoiler?
A car spoiler is a component placed on the rear of a car. They are most often made of plastic or light, resistant fibres such as carbon and magnesium.
Spoilers were first placed on sports cars to make them more aerodynamic, but in more recent times, they have also been placed on various types of vehicles to give them a sportier look.
What is the purpose of a car spoiler?
Car spoilers provide increased grip for rear vehicle axles.
The airflow around the vehicle pushes against the component, which, in turn, pushes the rear of the vehicle down, providing added grip for a car’s rear wheels.
This process happens for vehicles with large spoilers, those that reach high speeds, and vehicles that often drive on racetracks.
If a car spoiler is placed on a city vehicle that doesn’t drive at high speeds, however, the resistance created by the spoiler is almost negligible.
Do car spoilers work?
Yes, car spoilers work on all vehicles.
However, the effect of the component on a vehicle’s traction will depend on the following factors:
- The vehicle’s other aerodynamics;
- Spoiler size;
- Hardness of vehicle suspension;
- The downforce withstood by tyres.
Will you need to update a car’s registration certificate (log book) if you add a spoiler?
Yes, you’ll need to update your car’s log book if you want to add a spoiler or change the spoiler already on your car.
Just as registering changes made to alloy wheels or exhaust pipes, alterations to spoilers must be inspected at a vehicle testing station.
What is the difference between a spoiler and a rear wing?
A spoiler reduces drag on a vehicle, and a rear wing increases drag so as to boost traction on the rear axle.
Check out the following points to find out the differences between a car spoiler and rear wing:
Car Spoilers
Car spoilers are components placed on the rear of a car so as to reduce aerodynamic drag. Aerodynamic drag is understood to be the resistance created by airflow on a moving car.
Spoilers change the shape of a car, allowing the airflow to bypass the vehicle to reduce turbulence on the rear of the vehicle and therefore improve fuel efficiency.
Rear wings on cars
Just like spoilers, rear wings on cars help increase rear tyre traction.
The component was named a “wing” due to it being substantially larger than a spoiler.
Wings produce the opposite effect to a car spoiler, using the airflow around a car to create a downforce on the car.
The angle at which a rear wing on a car sits is adjustable on some cars: the more angled the wing, the more force is exerted on the rear of the vehicle and vice versa.
Just like spoilers, this component is also made of lightweight plastics and fibres.
How important is having a car spoiler?
The use of car spoilers and wings are important in increasing vehicle efficiency for specific purposes.
If a car owner plans to drive their vehicle on a racetrack, for example, it’s important they have wings on their vehicle so as not to lose traction.
If the aim is to make a car as efficient as possible, car owners should reduce the number of wings and spoilers on their car so that no drag is caused by airflow when driving.
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