Currently, a car without a spoiler is a rare occurrence. Almost every car owner wants to embellish his car, make it more attractive and unique. To do this, you can use different elements of tuning: window tinting, an enlarged exhaust pipe, creative coloring, increased ground clearance and much more.
In addition to the above elements, many prefer to install a wing or spoiler. These details greatly increase the attractiveness of almost every car. Some, installing a spoiler on a VAZ, hope that it will not only give a beautiful look, but also perform some functions. Many do not even think about what benefits a spoiler or rear wing brings. As a rule, they are installed in order to give the car a modern and sporty look.
In this article we will discuss what a spoiler is, what is its advantage over analogues, for which it is generally necessary.
Spoiler and wing
First, let's find out what a spoiler is? A spoiler is a device with which you can change the air flow in the direction we need. Also, the rear spoiler is considered one of the elements of the body, which can be installed on the trunk or on the rear of the roof.
The wing has a small gap between the body and the structure itself. It is necessary in order to redirect the free flow of air coming from the roof of the car to the rear. Thus, the wing does not allow the car to bulge the rear at high speed, thereby improving traction.
By its design, the wing is more like an airplane wing, only turned upside down. Generating a counter flow of air, the wing of the plane raises it higher from the ground. The wing acts on the contrary: redirects the flow to the rear of the car, preventing it from rising at high speeds.
What is the difference between a wing and a spoiler?
Their main difference lies not only in the design and installation location, as many people think, but in the special functions that they perform.
The wing serves to convert the free flow of air into downforce. In other words - it presses the car to the track. Such a mechanism is installed only on the rear of the machine and serves only one purpose.
The spoiler acts in a slightly different way. The function depends on its configuration and on the place where it will be installed. For example, a bumper spoiler (front) acts as a kind of obstruction to the oncoming air. At high speed, the oncoming air stream enters through the front of the car, passes along the entire body and raises the rear. Thanks to the front spoiler, most of the air does not fall under the bottom of the car, which increases the coupling with the road.
Also, on certain bodies (hatchback and minivan), where there is no smooth continuation in the form of glass, slight turbulence can be created, which increases drag and slows down the car a little. Therefore, it is necessary not only to design the correct spoiler, but also to install it correctly. At some service stations there are special rooms with a turbine, which forms a powerful air stream. With their help, you can adjust the spoiler so that it more effectively reduces turbulence.
What are the benefits of a spoiler
When the car reaches a mark of 120 km / h and above, the flow of oncoming air falls under the car and lifts the rear, as a result of which it becomes harder to drive the car, especially in corners. If you neglect this, then at high speed when entering into a turn, the car can greatly bring.
One way to reduce the effect of taking off a car is to increase the mass of the car. But this tricky trick brings hidden problems. With an increase in the mass of the car, inertia increases, which makes it harder to stop moving, especially at a bend. Therefore, experts recommend installing a spoiler on the trunk. It helps not only to press the car to the road, but also to save fuel, which is spent on overcoming the resistance to oncoming air.
It turns out this way: the higher the speed, the more the downforce acts. But this is also not always good. If the downforce is too much, then the car's suspension can be very damaged. Here you need to find a middle ground.
Use of a wing on sports cars
All cars that participate in racing competitions (Formula 1 or Grand Prix) have unique rear wings. Often the result of a race can completely change due to improper calibration or installation of such equipment. Therefore, the diagnosis of the spoiler takes at least 3-4 hours. Let's discuss two famous cars with a unique wing.
Koenigsegg CCX
The car with a 4.8-liter engine has a stock of 750 horsepower. Weight - no more than a ton. This is really a very good car, which is famous for its exquisite design and quality assembly. But if we talk about a comfortable ride, then because of the powerful engine and light weight at high speed, the car flies off the road. And why? The fact is that during its manufacture the wing was not provided, which led to disastrous results.
After some time, the developers of this model still decided to install the appropriate spoiler. The comfort of the car increased significantly, and the demand for this car rose sharply.
Audi TT
The second example is the Audi TT. After the release of several models, a large number of accidents were recorded. The fact is that due to the lack of a wing, the car becomes uncontrollable, especially at bends.
It was decided to withdraw all sold models and install a wing on them, which ensured maximum coupling with the road. In addition, Audi TT manufacturers decided to additionally install a front spoiler. With its help, it was possible to establish a certain barrier that holds back most of the oncoming air.
Classification
What is a spoiler? Since it has a different design, its functions are different. It all depends on the personal preferences of each driver. Spoilers may differ in design:
- Custom This unique spoiler, made according to the individual request of the customer, is very expensive. Custom spoilers are produced only one at a time, and there are no other ones.
- Factory. This is a standard conveyor spoiler. The cost is low, but does not affect the quality.
In addition to design, spoilers can be divided at the installation site:
- Rear spoiler Mounted on the trunk or on the bottom of the glass.
- Roof spoiler. Usually this design is used for hatchbacks.
- Skirts. Side spoiler mounted to reduce cornering drag.
- Diffusers. Installation is carried out under the body, for this reason their dismantling is difficult.
As we already noticed, spoilers are different. It is best when choosing the right one to consult with specialists at the service station.
There are also special spoilers that are installed only on a specific model. Often they are mounted directly at the factory.
Advantages and disadvantages
Let’s nevertheless understand in detail what advantages and disadvantages this tuning element has. It is worth noting that the Toyota spoiler and many others automatically open at 120 km / h and close when the car reaches a speed of 220 km / h.
Benefits:
- Increased manageability.
- Fuel economy.
- Sporty look of the car.
Disadvantages:
- Installation is carried out only at specialized service stations.
- High price.
- Most likely to damage the suspension.
It would seem that a spoiler is a universal part that has no drawbacks, but in fact, if used or installed incorrectly, a spoiler can greatly harm your car.
Its main function is to increase controllability and ensure maximum coupling with the road, so it must be installed in a special room that is equipped with an air turbine and other special equipment. Also, a spoiler is designed to save fuel. At high speeds, the oncoming air flow creates resistance, which must be overcome by increasing the engine speed. A correctly installed spoiler reduces the resistance level, thereby reducing fuel consumption.
As for additional security, everything is clear here. If the spoiler stands as it should, then the likelihood that your car will skid on a bend will be reduced to a minimum.
Conclusion
What is a spoiler? An additional body part that gives the car a sporty and more attractive look? Or is it a special tuning element that has a ton of features? The answer is obvious - both.
It is worth noting that before you buy the first spoiler, you need to understand in detail what characteristics it has. Those people who buy an expensive gazelle spoiler and thus hope to increase traction are very mistaken. Typically, such equipment is installed on sports, high-speed cars that participate in racing competitions. It must be remembered that it benefits only at 120 km / h and above. That is, if your car does not accelerate more than this speed, then there is no need to buy it and install it.