You are correct; however "spoiler" and "wing" have become synonymous to the layman.sophiecentaur said:
No.noagname said:
It isn't solved by spoilers. They are most common for front-engine, rear-wheel drive cars which have enough weight on the front wheels to keep them straight, but need more force on the back wheels to get traction. This problem is generally addressed by making cars that ride very close to the ground to minimize the airflow, and also by shaping the underside of the car body appropriately to not provide lift.noagname said:
Nascar type racing cars use spoilers in the rear for downforce and air dams / splitters up front to block air flow from getting under the car, which ends up reducing pressure under the front end of the car, creating downforce at the front. Formula 1 and other types of race cars use wings and splitters at the front, wings and diffusers at the back. Indy Racing League cars are also allowed to use ground effects (underbody tunneling) for additional downforce (Formula 1 cars have to use a "skid" plate instead).noagname said:
The splitter on an F1 car accelerates air under the floor of the car and provides downforce further back in the car, instead of where the splitter is actually located (in front of the driver).rcgldr said:
Spoilers are designed to create a downward force on a car, pushing it towards the ground. This increased down force allows for better traction and handling, especially at high speeds. The shape and angle of the spoiler play a crucial role in determining the amount of down force generated.
While spoilers are popular among sports cars and race cars, they can technically be added to any car. However, the effectiveness of the spoiler may be limited on a car that is not designed for high speeds or racing conditions.
A spoiler and a wing serve a similar purpose in creating down force, but they differ in their design and placement. Spoilers are typically located on the rear of a car, while wings are often mounted at the back or top of the car. Wings also tend to have a more pronounced shape and angle, generating more down force compared to spoilers.
In most cases, spoilers do not have a significant impact on fuel efficiency. While they may slightly reduce drag at high speeds, the added weight and drag from the spoiler can actually decrease fuel efficiency in regular driving conditions.
In most countries, spoilers are legal for street use as long as they do not exceed certain regulations on height and width. However, some countries may have stricter laws regarding the use of spoilers on public roads. It is important to check local laws and regulations before adding a spoiler to your car.