The spoiler was first popularized by sports and racing cars in the 1970s and today this add-on can be spotted on all types of cars. While adding a spoiler to a vehicle certainly does add some unique style, car owners do it for other reasons. This guide aims to enumerate the six main benefits of installing a spoiler on a car. However, before examining those reasons, it would be wise to first learn about how car spoilers work and the different types of spoilers on the market.
How Car Spoilers Work
Spoilers are added to cars and other vehicles to make them more aerodynamic. Most spoilers are attached to the rear of a car, but they can also be found on the front. Various types and the positioning of the spoilers can do different things to improve a car’s performance. However, the main reason people install spoilers is to allow for better airflow over and around the car, which in turn creates better grip or traction on the road. Cars that run at high speeds often encounter control problems. That’s because at high speeds, the increased air flow creates too much lift, which can be especially dangerous when the car makes a turn, as this can make it fly off the road and lose control.
One solution would be to increase the weight of the car to keep in on the ground. However, this will cause the car to slow down and consume more fuel. Additionally, when it comes to racing cars, manufacturers can’t really afford to add additional weight that can reduce the car’s speed. Therefore, carmakers need a way to counter the lift without adding more weight. A spoiler can reduce this lift without the need for more weight. These devices change the airflow going over the car to increase the downward pressure, essentially pushing the car down to counter the lift. Creating the right mix of lift and downward force can keep the car relatively stable while still maintaining high speeds.
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:
Type of Spoiler | Description |
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A popular type of spoiler found in the rear of a car, on top of the trunk; improves stability while adding a stylish look
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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
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Smaller and sleeker than regular rear spoilers; usually added for aesthetics, but can be useful in reducing lift at higher speeds
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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
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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.
The Many Benefits of a Car Spoiler
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.
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