There’s no single way to improve your vehicle’s performance. Depending on the parts you replace or upgrade, you can enhance its fuel efficiency, braking capabilities, and more. Another great way to spruce up your ride is by improving its aerodynamics.
Various accessories can improve a vehicle’s aerodynamics. For instance, front splitters send low-speed and high-pressure air over the car for better grip and turning speeds, while rear diffusers decrease drag by redirecting airflow. But perhaps some of the most common upgrades many drivers use are wings and spoilers. While both aim to reduce wind resistance, how they affect its aerodynamics are very different.
The general shape of a car is similar to a piece of an airplane wing. It takes longer for the air to go over the top of the car than it does for the air to pass underneath the vehicle, and at higher speeds. That means the atmospheric pressure underneath the car on its flat surfaces is slightly higher than the pressure above the car, creating air pressure lift that increases with road speed. Thus, the most effective wings and spoilers are basically installed to give the vehicle additional stability at higher speeds.
What’s the Difference Between a Wing and a Spoiler?
The main difference between a wing and a spoiler is the way they redirect airflow. A wing, also known as an automotive airfoil, deflects airflow upward to generate negative lift. Meanwhile, a spoiler acts as a barrier that disrupts localized airflow to reduce airspeed and lift. That being said, some spoilers and wings are mostly for looks.
Wings and spoilers are often used interchangeably because of how similar they look. To know which is which, remember that a wing looks like an inverted airplane wing. It also creates a space between the rear of the vehicle and its plane. On the other hand, a spoiler is directly attached to the boot, rear window, or rear end of the roof.
How Spoilers Work
Air from the roof naturally flows over the vehicle’s rear end. If it remains unobstructed, it tends to flow faster and generate low pressure, which can lift the car’s rear, especially at high speeds. Installing a spoiler disrupts this airflow, reducing airspeed and lift. It also diminishes drag.
Spoilers were originally intended for high-performance sports cars, race cars, and rally cars. Today, they are a common feature on passenger cars as well.
How Wings Work
A wing on the back of a car allows air to flow over and under it to generate negative lift. It catches the air coming off the roof and redirects it upward so that the back of the car is pushed down. This is useful especially in racing, as the effect helps to keep the car firmly planted to the pavement.
Spoiler Vs. Wing: Which Is Better?
While both accessories can make a vehicle more aerodynamic, a wing tends to be more effective than a spoiler in generating downforce at very high speeds. At normal, road-going speeds, however, a wing is unlikely to improve vehicle performance. That’s why most production vehicles have spoilers, rather than wings.
Car Spoiler Types
Here are some of the most common types of spoilers:
Front
A front spoiler, also called “air dam,” directs airflow towards the car’s radiator. It blocks airflow from under the chassis, which reduces drag and fuel consumption. It’s usually made from lightweight metal or plastic and placed under the front bumper.
Check out this video for tips on how to replace your air dam:
Lighted
Lighted spoilers provide additional lighting to improve a vehicle’s visibility. It’s more of a safety feature rather than a performance enhancer.
Pedestal
A pedestal spoiler is attached to the vehicle’s boot. It helps generate downward force by disrupting aerodynamic drag, resulting in better fuel economy and performance.
Roof
A roof spoiler is attached between the roofline and rear window. In some cases, roof spoilers also come with a third brake light.
Lip
Lip spoilers can be installed in front or at the back of the vehicle. Front spoilers make the bumper look longer while making the vehicle’s ride height look lower. Rear lip spoilers, on the other hand, are attached below the boot lip. Rather than improve performance, they serve more of an aesthetic purpose.
Truck
Similar to roof spoilers, truck spoilers also have brake lights attached to them. They also give trucks a more aggressive look.
Types of Car Wings
Car wings usually feature similar styles and don’t have much variation compared to spoilers. They come in two tail configurations一whale tail and gurney flap.
Whale Tail
Whale tail wings, also called “tea trays,” have slightly raised edges that sweep up from the trunk.
Gurney Flap
A gurney flap or “wickerbill” is a small tab that protrudes from the edge of a wing. Unlike whale tail wings, which are primarily used for aesthetic purposes, the gurney flap (when pointed upwards) increases the downforce for better traction.
Disadvantages of Using Wings and Spoilers
While aerodynamic devices like wings and spoilers can significantly improve a vehicle’s performance and style, installing them can have drawbacks.
Aesthetic Downgrade
Not all cars are built to have wings or spoilers, so it may be hard to find spoilers that can match some vehicles’ paintwork, especially of older models. Instead of sprucing up your ride, you may end up diminishing its look because of a mismatch.
Easily Damaged
Wings and spoilers are typically made from lightweight materials, such as fiberglass and ABS plastic, so they can’t take much of a beating.
Difficulty of Installation
It may be difficult to install wings or spoilers on a car, especially if it’s not made to have one in the first place. As a result, you may end up buying more parts than necessary.
Does Your Car Need a Spoiler or Wing?
Unless you frequently drive at high speeds, installing a wing or spoiler may not have much of an impact on your vehicle’s performance. This is because aerodynamics only comes into play at high speeds.
The downforce produced by these accessories also benefits race cars more than passenger cars, as the former engages in high-speed cornering. Passenger cars, on the other hand, typically slow down when turning, so wings and spoilers won’t be able to do much other than make them look sportier.
How Much Does a Spoiler Cost?
An aftermarket spoiler can cost anywhere between $15 and $115, depending on your vehicle’s year, make, and model. Other factors that may affect the price include color/finish, material, and brand.
How to Get a Quality Replacement Spoiler
Driving with a damaged spoiler will harm your car’s external appearance and fuel economy. It disrupts the aerodynamic profile, making your vehicle use more fuel, and poses a risk to other vehicles on the road. Instead of putting up with the faulty accessory, you can take advantage of how easy it is to get a replacement spoiler from CarParts.com.
Whether it’s on your computer or mobile phone, you can navigate CarParts.com and place your order with only a few clicks. Once you input your vehicle’s information, our helpful vehicle selector will bring up products compatible with your vehicle’s year of manufacture, make, model, and engine. When you place your order, you only have to wait for several business days for your new parts to arrive at your doorstep. You can also rest assured that your new parts will fit your car and deliver sterling service because we exclusively source our products from some of the most dependable companies in the industry.
Make CarParts.com your first and only stop for quality spoilers at unbeatable prices. Don’t miss out on the best deals on car spoilers, and order what you need today!
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Can you have a wing and spoiler combo?