|
|
Sure, they look cool on the right make and model of car, but what do spoilers really do for the performance and handling of a car? And do they improve gas mileage at all? With the recent price hike in gas, many car owners are looking for any way possible to improve the fuel efficiency of their cars.
Let’s face it; not many of us can just run out and buy a new, more fuel efficient model or try out one of the new hybrids being advertised. With this fact in mind, economically concerned motorists are looking for any solution to this bank breaking situation.
The answer to the spoiler question is rather complex. First, let’s take a look at the claim that a rear mounted spoiler will improve a car’s handling and performance. Race cars are fitted with spoilers to provide a significant enough down force to improve the car’s traction and precision on the motorways. For those cars the theory seems to work.
For the rest us driving around in our Hondas or Toyotas, it isn’t going to make that much of a difference. The truth of the matter is a normal car won’t be going the speeds necessary to take advantage of any possible down force. Even if it did, in a typical car, you would want the down force to affect the front of the car, not the back.
Since the whole point in talking about spoilers was to decide if they could make a car more fuel efficient, the jury appears to be out. Some experts contend that a spoiler can improve gas mileage performance during highway driving at higher speeds. Others have the opinion that they can actually have an incredibly negative impact on a car’s gas mileage.
These experts also believe that there is no aerodynamic benefit to the addition of a rear fitting spoiler. In their august opinion, spoilers are simply another way of car manufacturers to charge you for a product you don’t need and would be better off without.
Overall, spoilers could be a good choice if you do a lot of highway driving, but the benefits seem minimal. In fact, as previously noted, some automotive experts actually feel spoilers reduce a car’s effectiveness in fuel consumption.
Since in the regular types of cars we drive everyday, spoilers do nothing for handling and traction, the only real reason to install one is for the appearance. If that look is what you want, then by all means, install a spoiler. Just don’t be surprised if it doesn’t do you any good at the fuel pumps.
There are other changes and adjustments you can make to improve your car’s gas mileage. Consider parking in the shade or garage to conserve on fuel usage going to the air conditioner.
Make sure your car has regular tune ups. A well maintained car has a better chance at costing less in gas. Try not to be too disappointed about the spoiler. You can always get a really sweet paint job.