2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:41
Currently, a car without a spoiler is a rare occurrence. Almost every car owner wants to embellish their car, make it more attractive and unique. To do this, you can use different tuning elements: window tinting, an enlarged exhaust pipe, creative coloring, increased ground clearance and much more.
In addition to the above items, many prefer to install a wing or spoiler. These details greatly increase the appeal of almost every car. Some, when 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 the benefits of a spoiler or wing. 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 advantage it has over analogues, and why it is needed at all.
Spoiler and wing
First, let's find out what a spoiler is? A spoiler is a device with which you canchange the air flow in the direction we need. Also, the rear spoiler is considered one of the body elements that 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 rear wing prevents the car from lifting up the rear end at high speed, thereby improving traction.
By design, the wing looks more like an airplane wing, only upside down. By generating a counter flow of air, the wing of the aircraft raises it higher from the ground. The rear wing does the opposite: 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 is used to convert free air flow into downforce. In other words - it presses the car to the track. Such a mechanism is installed only on the back of the machine and serves only one purpose.
Spoiler works 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 barrier to oncoming air. At high speed, the oncoming air flow enters through the frontcar, runs along the entire body and raises the rear. Thanks to the front spoiler, most of the air does not get under the bottom of the car, which increases traction.
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 resistance and slows down the car a little. Therefore, it is necessary not only to design the right spoiler, but also to install it correctly. Some service stations have special rooms with a turbine that generates a powerful air flow. With their help, you can adjust the spoiler so that it reduces turbulence more effectively.
What are the benefits of a spoiler
When the car reaches 120 km/h or more, oncoming air flows under the car and lifts the rear end, making it harder to steer, especially when cornering. If you neglect this, then at high speed when entering a turn, the car can skid a lot.
One way to reduce the takeoff effect of a car is to increase the mass of the car. But this cunning technique brings with it hidden problems. As the vehicle mass increases, inertia increases, making it harder to stop moving, especially when cornering. 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 resistance to oncoming air.
It turns out like this: the higher the speed,the more clamping force. But this is also not always good. If there is too much downforce, the car's suspension can be severely damaged. Here it is necessary to find a middle ground.
Application 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 be completely changed due to incorrect calibration or installation of such equipment. Therefore, it takes at least 3-4 hours to diagnose the spoiler. Let's discuss two famous cars with a unique wing.
Koenigsegg CCX
A car with a 4.8-liter engine has 750 horsepower in reserve. Weight - no more than a ton. This is indeed 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 all why? The fact is that in its manufacture the wing was not provided, which led to disastrous results.
After a certain time, the developers of this model decided to install the corresponding spoiler. The comfort of the car has increased significantly, and the demand for this car has risen 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 when cornering.
It was decided to recall all sold models and install a rear wing on them, which ensured maximum traction. In addition, the manufacturers of the Audi TT decided to add a front spoiler. With its help, it was possible to establish a kind of 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 vary in design:
- Customs. This unique spoiler, made according to the individual wishes of the customer, is very expensive. Custom spoilers are released only once, and there are no more.
- Factory. This is a standard spoiler from the assembly line. The cost is low, but the quality is not affected.
In addition to design, spoilers can be divided by installation location:
- Rear spoiler. Installed on the trunk or on the bottom of the glass.
- Roof spoiler. Usually this design is used for hatchbacks.
- Skirts. Side spoiler installed to reduce cornering drag.
- Diffusers. Installation is carried out under the body, for this reason, their dismantling is difficult.
As we have already noticed, spoilers are different. It is best to consult with specialists at the service station when choosing the right one.
There are also special spoilers that are installed only on a certain model. Often they are mounted directly at the factory.
Pros andcons
Let's take a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of this tuning element. It is worth noting that Toyota's spoiler and many others automatically open at 120 km/h and close when the car reaches 220 km/h.
Benefits:
- Increasing manageability.
- Fuel economy.
- Sporty looking car.
Flaws:
- Installation is made only at specialized service stations.
- High cost.
- High chance of damaging 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 most important function is to increase handling and provide maximum traction, so you need to install it in a special room, which is equipped with an air turbine and other special equipment. The spoiler is also designed to save fuel. At high speeds, the oncoming air flow creates resistance, which must be overcome by increasing the engine speed. A properly installed spoiler reduces the level of drag, thereby reducing fuel consumption.
As for additional security, everything is clear here. If the spoiler is positioned as it should be, then the likelihood that your car will skid on a turn will be reduced to a minimum.
Conclusion
What is itspoiler? An additional body part that gives the car a sportier and more attractive look? Or is it a special tuning element that has a lot of functions? 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 spoiler for a gazelle and hope to thereby increase traction are greatly mistaken. Typically, such equipment is installed on sports, high-speed cars that participate in racing competitions. It must be remembered that it is only useful 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 and install it.
