Performance and style can be integrated in different forms. A perfect example of this is a spoiler. It can benefit both the exterior and performance of a vehicle. While giving the vehicle a customized look, it contributes to the aerodynamics of the car. A spoiler is specifically mounted to a vehicle to decrease unnecessary air movements across the body of e vehicle when it is in motion. It improves stability as it decreases drag which may affect handling.
A spoiler works by breaking up the airflow going over a moving car, thus lessening the amount of lift. To achieve this, the amount of turbulence flowing over the shape of the vehicle is increased, which then "spoils" the laminar flow along while giving a cushion for the laminar boundary layer. The effect is better traction as the contact between the tire and road surface becomes greater. Another benefit is the enhanced stability of the vehicle when braking, turning, and accelerating. There is also a boost in the aerodynamic drag.
Best used on high-performance sports cars, a spoiler has now become a common feature on passenger vehicles. Although some of these spoilers are added as a styling element, it should be remembered that they can either make minimal improvements on the aerodynamics or make it worse. There are various kinds of spoilers available today. One of these is the front spoiler or air dam, which can be located under the front bumper. A rear spoiler or sometimes referred to as a wing is attached on top of a vehicle's trunk lid. Another type is the window spoiler. There are also especially made for pickups. These include cab spoilers, tailgate spoilers, truck cap spoilers, and tonneau cover spoilers.
Motorists opting for a spoiler must bear in mind that different spoilers have varying weights. Thus they may have different effects on the vehicle's performance, depending on the materials used in the spoiler's construction. Majority of spoilers are made of the light and sturdy polyurethane material, but there are others that are created out of light weight steel or fiberglass. Other spoilers, on the other hand, use a mixture of all three materials.
