Vehicle Performance – Do body kits make a difference?

Ground effects are bodywork modifications car lovers make to their cars, primarily to improve aerodynamics and performance. A body kit should also improve the look and style of your vehicle, giving it a sportier or racier edge. The problem is that when these mods are only done to improve style, quite often the performance and handling of the car go straight out the window. This is because materials used and the body kit type have interfered with the aerodynamics characteristics of the car. Read on to learn more about five important considerations.  

Style and materials

When thinking about fitting a body kit on your car consider your reasons for doing so. Are you wanting to improve performance, style or both? With the right assistance and expert advice it is possible to achieve both. To maximize performance and handling ensure the body kit materials have been tested for their aerodynamic impact. Carbon fiber is a popular choice as it is light. Polyurethane and fiberglass are also commonly used. There is a risk that installing a body kit that doesn’t suit the style of your car may decrease performance and handling significantly so it pays to talk to an expert.

Grip to the road

A car that hugs the road and handles well is one with outstanding downforce and aerodynamic. Cars with poor performance may look great because of their body kits, but if these modifications have created shaking at higher speeds, aerodynamics and handling have been compromised unnecessarily. When it comes to body kits, performance and handling, car enthusiasts should look for solutions that minimize wind resistance and drag. Body kits that steer wind away from below the vehicle and down the sides instead, help minimize lift and keep the car on the ground where it needs to be.

Fuel, Fuel, Fuel

Cars need fuel to run but who wants to pay more for fuel because the car is held back by lousy aerodynamic characteristics? Economical car lovers will do the smart thing to avoid this and reduce the drag on their car with carefully selected body kit. In time, this mod may even pay for itself through fuel savings.

Cut through the air

We’ve mentioned it a few times already but aerodynamics are the number one thing to consider when thinking about any kind of car body kits modification. Cars cut through the air and grip the road more effectively when downforce is increased and wind resistance minimized. Downforce is determined by the aerodynamic qualities of your car, and when increased will improve speed, cornering and general handling.

Spoiler alert

Spoilers are one of the most popular body kit upgrades. Coming in many shapes and forms car lovers can consider front and rear spoilers, wings, side skirts and active spoilers. All serve a similar purpose which is to redirect airflow, decrease lift and increase down force. Front spoilers are fitted under the front bumper and help the front of the car to stay down, rear spoilers or wings increase downward pressure and help the car to grip to the road more effectively. Side wings make the car look lower and keep air away from underneath which minimizes lift.

What do I do now?

Contact a qualified bodyworks expert today to discuss how to improve the look, feel, performance and handing of your vehicle today.