Ground effects, or body kits, are extensions attached to the underbody of a car to counteract lift and drag forces, improving handling and speed. They also enhance the car’s appearance, but should be installed professionally to avoid voiding the warranty.
When a car is in motion, the air flowing below causes a change in pressure between the top and bottom of the car, generating a force called lift, which causes the car to rise slightly. The lift results in less surface area of the car’s tires being in contact with the ground, which reduces traction and changes the handling of the vehicle. A moving vehicle also creates drag, which slows a vehicle down as air flows over, under and around it.
Ground effects, also known as body kits, are extensions attached to the underbody of a car designed to counteract lift and drag forces. Reducing lift and drag improves handling and increases a vehicle’s speed. Improving a car’s handling is the reason why many racing cars have ground effects installed. Ground effects aren’t just for race cars though, and many vehicles on the road today have body kits fitted.
A front spoiler, or front air dam, is located under a vehicle’s front bumper. The front spoiler reduces lift and drag by directing air to the sides of the car and preventing air from flowing under the vehicle. The side skirts are installed on the rocker panels under the doors and direct the airflow to the rear and prevent air from flowing under the car. The rear skirts are located under the rear bumper and also prevent air from flowing under the car.
Ground effects can also enhance the overall look and aesthetics of a car. They reduce the distance between the ground and the bottom of the vehicle and create a lower, sportier and more aggressive look. There is a wide variety of ground effect body kits to choose from and the driver can modify the appearance of their car in many different ways. While body kits can be installed as a do-it-yourself project, many owners choose to have them installed professionally.
Many car manufacturers also sell vehicles with ground effects as part of a premium, sporty, or performance trim package. The advantage of choosing a vehicle that has the body kit installed by the manufacturer is that the accessories would be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. Ground effects installed as an aftermarket item would not be covered under the vehicle’s warranty and in some cases may void the warranty.
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