by
Tanmay Ahuja
| Sep 13, 2024
Updated on 3 Nov 2025
When you witness a stylish vehicle zooming past on the highway, you might have noticed a raised flap or an additional body part attached to the back. That is known as the rear spoiler. However, this vehicle part is not just for show; it also plays a crucial part in enhancing the car’s performance, specifically at high speeds. Rear spoilers can lower the drag, give the car a good balance and also improve the grip on the road. In this blog, you will learn more about rear spoilers, how they function and whether or not you should get one for your four-wheeler as well.
What are car spoilers?
Spoilers, also called 'car tails' or 'external body kits,' boost an automobile's aerodynamics and reduce its overall drag. Whenever air passes quickly over your vehicle, the spoiler lifts that air away from the car. It allows a cut-through wind resistance and reduces the force associated with the wind.
Apart from offering the vehicle a dynamic look, the rear spoiler helps reduce air resistance when driving at high speed. This increases fuel efficiency and improves the vehicle's stability. Presently, most car manufacturers prioritise the spoilers, which go beyond the vehicle's dimensions.
Airflow occupies the space the car cuts through, creating a strong force, which then results in the vehicle's decreased stability. Ultimately, the rear spoiler reduces the resistance of air that flows around your car while driving at a faster speed (approximately 100 miles per hour or more). This helps regulate the negative airflow that hinders a vehicle's performance. In short, the spoiler alters the car's aerodynamic characteristics; it acts to spoil the natural airflow.
How does a spoiler work?
It all comes down to the principle of aerodynamics, which concerns the lift mechanism of aircraft wings. Whenever a car travels at a faster speed, air passes through and under the vehicle and also above the trunk.
The strong air force beneath the vehicle tries to lift it up, preventing the tyres from maintaining a strong grip on the road. Hence, the spoilers help lower the impact of the air force, which results in the car's improved grip and stability.
Usually, when the car’s speed goes beyond 60 km/h, the impact of air resistance on the vehicle becomes more apparent. A rear spoiler installed on the car is an effective way to counteract this force.
The spoiler on your vehicle's trunk takes the airflow and redirects it to push down onto both the trunk and rear wheels. The downward force or pressure is what racing teams driving at high speeds use to keep their car tires stuck to the road.
So, as air passes over your car at very high speeds, the spoiler lifts that air off the vehicle. In return, the cut-through wind offers resistance and reduces the violence associated with the wind.
Types of spoilers
Different types of car spoilers present unique styles and purposes, as we see below in the list of the most common spoiler types:
Front spoiler
Located in the car's front, this type of spoiler helps reduce the lift and prevent wheel slippage.
Rear spoiler
It is located on the rear of the car, typically on or above the trunk. It offers various benefits to the car, most importantly disrupting the impact of airflow and reducing the strong turbulent motion.
Roof spoiler
Situated at the rear end of the roof, the roof end spoiler helps reduce the pressure or force caused by wind.
Lip spoiler
It's installed on the trunk's edge and helps enhance the car's stability and boosts the downforce slightly.
Ducktail spoiler
This spoiler, which resembles a duck's tail, helps reduce drag. It also increases the car's downforce, ensuring stability on the road even at high speeds.
Pedestal spoiler
It creates a car's downward force and helps maintain stability when the car is moving very fast. A pedestal spoiler is installed on the pedestals.
Side spoiler
A side spoiler, also known as a side skirt, resembles an air dam. It has a plate mounted on the vehicle's side (below the doors) and helps cut down airflow into the car's underside. The result is reduced air resistance under particular conditions.
Advantages of rear spoilers
The rear spoilers are not just cool-looking car parts. They also provide many benefits, and some of the main ones are listed below:
- The rear spoiler ensures your car (together with its passengers) is safe and stable.
- It improves traction by allowing the car's rear to remain pressed against the road's surface. It also helps distribute the strong airflow the car faces when you drive, which prevents sliding and cornering.
- It enhances stability by sustaining the spoiler's aerodynamics and releasing a downward force. The spoiler helps lower the risk of falling by ensuring smooth vehicle handling.
- It increases fuel efficiency by reducing its consumption. Usually, the airflow increases the force on the car as the driver presses the pedal harder. However, a spoiler helps eliminate this problem, reducing engine load and fuel consumption.
- Rear spoilers reduce noise by ensuring a smooth airflow, lowering the noise the wind releases when driving.
- It enhances braking controllability. The low resistance to the airflow increases the driver's control of the vehicle.
- The rear spoiler creates a stylish and dynamic look on the car.
Materials used in rear spoilers
Rear spoilers can be made from a variety of materials, each offering different benefits in terms of appearance, performance and cost. ABS plastic is a lightweight and affordable option, commonly used in budget cars.
Fibreglass spoilers are strong but heavier, and are often seen on customised vehicles. Polyurethane is known for its high durability and flexibility, making it suitable for rugged conditions.
Carbon fibre offers exceptional strength while remaining very lightweight, which is why it’s typically used in luxury or sports cars. Aluminium, on the other hand, strikes a good balance between weight and strength, making it a popular choice for performance-oriented vehicles.
Impact of rear spoilers on vehicle performance
A good quality spoiler can enhance the overall driving experience in several ways. It improves stability, making the vehicle less wobbly at high speeds, particularly on highways. It also boosts braking performance by offering better grip, which leads to shorter braking distances. During sharp turns, the spoiler helps maintain vehicle stability, improving cornering.
Additionally, spoilers can increase the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle, potentially raising its resale value. However, it's important to note that these performance improvements are more noticeable at higher speeds, such as in sports or highway driving. For city driving, the difference is generally minor.
Disadvantages or limitations of rear spoilers
While rear spoilers can enhance a car’s appearance and performance at high speeds, they also come with certain drawbacks. Some spoilers, especially those made from heavier materials like fibreglass, can add extra weight to the vehicle, which may slightly affect fuel efficiency or handling.
High-quality spoilers made from advanced materials such as carbon fibre or polyurethane can also be quite expensive, particularly when factoring in professional installation. Another concern is fuel efficiency. If the spoiler is poorly designed or incorrectly positioned, it can increase aerodynamic drag and reduce mileage instead of improving it.
Additionally, in low-speed city traffic, spoilers offer little to no performance advantage, making them less practical for everyday urban driving. Improper installation can also pose risks, potentially damaging the car’s body, causing leaks or affecting the vehicle’s balance and overall aerodynamics.
Can you install a rear spoiler aftermarket?
It’s certainly possible to install a rear spoiler in the form of an aftermarket accessory. Many vehicle owners in India get them added after purchasing the car to improve their performance and looks. You also need to keep the following things in mind:
- Pick a spoiler that’s created for your car’s model and make.
- Get them installed by an expert to ensure the safety and balance.
- Check with your four wheeler insurance firm or RTO because some changes might affect the insurance or legal rules.
Rear spoilers vs. rear wings: What’s the difference?
Many individuals confuse rear wings with spoilers. While they may appear similar, they serve very different purposes. Rear spoilers are attached close to the car’s body. They change the airflow over the vehicle to lower the lift and drag. The rear wing, on the other hand, is raised above the boot using a pedestal or stands. They are mostly used in racing vehicles to offer a stronger downforce.
Conclusion
The rear spoilers are a lot more than just a design feature. They also play a massive part in enhancing the car’s stability, particularly at high speeds. Whether you drive an SUV, hatchback or sedan, adding a good rear spoiler can give your vehicle a sporty appearance and also enable it to perform well on the road.
However, while enhancing the style and performance of your vehicle, don’t forget your safety. A comprehensive car insurance can help you stay financially protected, especially during road trips. If you are not sure which car insurance would suit your needs the best, fill out the form on this page for expert guidance.
FAQs
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Will adding these spoilers void the car’s warranty?
If you properly install them and they don’t affect parts, many of the car makers will allow it. However, check your car’s warranty terms before installing a spoiler.
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Can a spoiler enhance mileage?
A properly designed spoiler can lower the drag, which, in return, might enhance the fuel efficiency. But the change is minor.
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Are spoilers allowed under the Indian traffic laws?
Yes. As long as the modification is secure and doesn’t interfere with the vehicle’s safety features.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the topic featured in the article. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.