What’s The Difference Between a Spoiler & Wing?
Many cars come fitted with rear aero components that not only add to their overall appeal but offer practical benefits as well. Owners of vehicles that do not come with these fixtures install third-party parts to try and achieve the same goals.
Though spoilers and wings look fairly similar, they work in different ways to manipulate air flow. That’s why manufacturers usually test their effectiveness in a wind tunnel to ensure they provide real world benefit to the vehicles they are intended for.
Air Flow & Lift
For vehicles that do not use ground effects or aero foils, air tends to flow faster over their bodies compared to underneath. This creates a low-pressure area over the body and a high-pressure area under it.
The difference in pressure creates a lifting force that if strong enough, can overcome the vehicle’s weight and reduce tyre traction. This is why some cars tend to feel like they are floating when traveling at high speed.
How Wings Work
Plane wings are designed to take advantage of this air flow and pressure differences. The result is a powerful lifting force that allows planes to take off and fly. Wings on cars use a similar concept. Instead of creating a lifting force, it works in reverse to create a force that pushes downward, which is referred to as downforce.
Downforce improves traction and keeps the car firmly on the ground at high speed and while cornering. That said, wings also increase overall drag, which can lower top speed and increase fuel consumption. That’s why manufacturers have to weigh the pros and cons of using them on each vehicle model.
How Spoilers Work
Spoilers on the other hand can be mounted to the car’s roof, boot, or both. As its name suggests, Its function is to disrupt the natural airflow over the car’s body. This directs the air in a way that effectively improves overall stability and efficiency at high speed.
That is why it’s important to consult the vehicle manufacturer or experts in the field of aerodynamics before installing a wing or spoiler on your vehicle. In compatible or wrongly placed aerofoils can ruin fuel consumption, worsen instability or have no real world effect at all.
