What Is a Spoiler?
A spoiler is an automobile accessory that improves its aerodynamics. It’s called a spoiler because it “spoils” the effects of undesired air movement— called turbulence or drag— across the body of the vehicle as it moves.
Front spoilers are called air dams. Spoilers were originally developed for high performance sports cars and race cars, although they are now a common feature on passenger cars as well. Sometimes they are added for styling purposes to make a car look better.
Sometimes spoilers are referred to as a “wing,” however an automotive wing is a different feature, and it’s designed to generate downforce from the air that passes over it, not just spoil turbulence. Wings are designed to increase drag.
What Does a Spoiler Do for A Vehicle?
Spoilers make a vehicle more aerodynamic. Most spoilers are installed on the rear of the vehicle above the trunk, on the rear window, on the roof, or on the front of the vehicle. Various types of spoilers positioned in different ways have different results on the vehicle’s performance.
The main reason for installing a spoiler is to get smoother airflow around the vehicle and less drag, which can actually help their car grip the road better and get better traction.
This is especially important for vehicles that run at high speeds because the increased airflow creates lift, decreasing the vehicle’s firm grip on the road, which can be especially dangerous for a vehicle turning at high speeds, as the lack of traction can send the car spinning off the road.
Without traction, a car’s tires can’t help it maneuver as well. Rear spoilers especially help to push the back of the car down so the tires can grip the road better and increase driver control of the vehicle.
Rear spoilers also add some visibility for the car so other drivers on the road notice it and see it better, helping to lessen the odds of a rear collision and other accidents.
It’s also hard to deny that some cars just look better with a spoiler.
Should I Have It Installed or Install a Spoiler Myself?
For best installation results have a professional auto mechanic install your spoiler for you so you can be assured that it will look right, function how you want, stay secured to your car, and the installation won’t damage the paint on your vehicle.
For more information on spoilers, and to determine if your vehicle needs one or should have your serviced, get in touch with your local Maryland mechanics at Hillmuth Auto Care. Hillmuth Auto Care is Maryland’s leading auto mechanic with many years of honest service.