It is not uncommon to see car enthusiasts demonstrating a keen interest in automobile modifications. Not only does modifying your car improve overall performance, it gives your ride a personal style.
Two commonly used terms by gearheads are “spoiler” and “front lip splitter”. While it is true they share a similar purpose in improving a car’s aerodynamics, they are distinct in their operation and are located in different areas of the vehicle.
The Spoiler: A Rear-End Enhancement
A good way to identify spoilers is by observing their placement on a vehicle.. You’ll often see them above a car’s trunk or rear window. Primarily, a spoiler works to disrupt the airflow around the rear of the vehicle. Spoilers come in various shapes and sizes, ranging from subtle lip spoilers to more prominent wing-like structures.
A spoiler’s design is rooted in the principles of aerodynamics. A spoiler, by strategically altering the airflow, helps reduce lift during the vehicle’s motion. This means that your car has enhanced stability at higher speeds, better road grip and overall better handling.
But beyond its functional benefits, a spoiler also serves as an aesthetic purpose. Car manufacturers and aftermarket enthusiasts use spoilers to give the vehicle a sportier and more aggressive appearance. From the sleek lip spoilers seen on street cars to the towering wings on high-performance cars, the addition of a spoiler can give your car a multifaceted visual appeal.
The Front Lip Splitter: A Ground Hugging Element
While the spoiler is mounted at the rear of the vehicle, the front lip splitter as the name suggests, is positioned at the front of the vehicle, usually beneath the front bumper. The front lip splitter focuses primarily on managing the airflow at the vehicle’s front end.
As air flows against a fast moving vehicle, the front lip splitter serves to reduce the aerodynamic lift on the front axle. The splitter achieves this by creating a pressure differential between the top and bottom surfaces, effectively splitting the airflow. Low pressure air passes under the vehicle, while the high pressure air passes over the top of the vehicle creating downforce which improves balance and stability, especially at higher speeds.
Front lip splitters are especially popular among performance-oriented and track-focused vehicles. Their ground-hugging design not only aids in aerodynamics but also helps direct air to cool critical components like the radiator and brakes. EZ Lip Front Splitters feature adjustable elements, allowing car enthusiasts to fine-tune their setup based on their driving conditions or personal preferences.
Key Differences and Complementary Roles
While both spoilers and front lip splitters contribute to aerodynamic performance, their positions on the vehicle and the specific aspects of aerodynamics they address set them apart. Spoilers focus on managing airflow at the rear to reduce lift, enhance stability, and improve traction. Front lip splitters positioned at the front of the vehicle, work to minimize lift on the front axle, aiding in balance and aerodynamic efficiency.
In some cases, automotive enthusiasts opt for a combination of both a spoiler and a front lip splitter to achieve a balanced aerodynamic profile. When chosen and installed thoughtfully, these modifications not only enhance performance, but also add a distinctive touch to a vehicle’s visual identity.
