Auto Club TCNA

Car spoilers were first widely used in vehicles during the 1960′s. They became popular with motorsports with both teams and individuals and were able to help them win large events. They do more than just increase performance in races, though; they also give a vehicle a visual boost and help improve fuel efficiency by reducing overall drag.

At high speeds, typically those above 70 miles per hour, air passing over the top of the vehicle is moving faster than air beneath it. The difference in air pressure results in the vehicle lifting itself, which in turn decreases handling and traction. A spoiler diffuses the air and redirects its flow over the top of the vehicle to aid in stability. When installing a spoiler it’s necessary to keep in mind the overall drag, which can decrease speed and harm performance in racing events. The key to installing a spoiler is to get a proper balance of reduced drag and downforce.

A Honda Civic spoiler should not be confused with a wing. The two are similar but not identical. While spoilers alter the airflow over the top of the body to reduce lift, wings generate down force and do not have a significant impact on the lift. Wings are also much larger than spoilers and make a more pronounced appearance.

Many spoilers including Honda accord spoilers on today’s cars are not installed for performance, since the speeds needed to see any results are much higher than those legal on roadways, and typically only exist for aesthetic purposes. Auto manufacturers install them to create a fluid appearance with the rest of the vehicle, making the spoiler the same color and style of the car, which creates a sporty appearance. Some even have an additional taillight and are made out of materials such as fiberglass or ABS plastic.