Car Splitter | What is It and How Does it Work?
There are many after-market accessories that can improve the overall performance of your car. Some of those accessories come in the form of parts or components that can be attached to engine or exhaust systems, while others are parts you actually build into the frame of the car itself, such as a car splitter. Engine modifications like turbo chargers are relatively straightforward to understand, but what about car splitters? What exactly are they and how do they work?
What is a Car Splitter?
A car splitter is a modification to the body of the car that is usually found at the front, attached to the bottom of the bumper. Splitters look like a flat scoop that extends out from the bottom of the front of the car. Splitters are often made from carbon fiber or other similar durable materials. Splitters sometimes have support rods that are attached between the splitter and the bumper, which keep the splitter parallel to the ground.
How Do Car Splitters Work?
So how does a car splitter – which is just a rigid extension of the lower bumper – contribute to the car’s performance? Well, when a car reaches high speeds, air pressure builds up at the front of the car. A lot of this high pressure, low-speed air ends up underneath the car, and with only low pressure air above the car exerting itself on top, the car experiences lift, with the front of the car lightening up. This results in reduced traction on the road.
A car splitter acts like a wedge that forces the high pressure air upwards where it builds up around the bumper and migrates up and over the car. The high speed, low pressure air passes underneath the car. Combined with the high pressure air that is passing over the car, lift is reduced, resulting in a net positive downforce. This gives the car more traction as it hugs the ground. Many drivers combine a splitter with a front air dam or openings on the front bumper that direct the extra air into productive avenues, such as into the brake ducts or for radiator cooling. Car body upgrades in general are all for redirecting air to carry out various functions.
Car Splitter vs Lip Kit
Car splitters have a lot to offer, but they’re not the only game in town. It is actually possible to get the same performance gains with a quality lip kit, which can often be purchased at a fraction of the cost. Like a car splitter, a lip kit is placed over the bumper of the vehicle, improving downforce and aerodynamics while providing protection to the bumper. When trying to choose between a car splitter and a lip kit, it ultimately boils down to style preference and budget.
In general, a lip kit is much easier to install than a car splitter, and so that’s another important consideration to keep in mind. Even if you don’t have any experience upgrading cars with aftermarket parts, you should still be able to install a quality lip kit in 15 minutes or less, with no permanent modifications made to your vehicle. And although installation is typically non-invasive, a good kit should still last the full life of your vehicle if properly installed and cared for.
And then, of course, there are the materials used. Car splitters are usually made from fiberglass, carbon fiber, alumilite, and other composites, whereas your basic lip kit is made from high-quality, durable rubber. So while a lip kit may not look as flashy on the surface, it actually does a much better job of maintaining its integrity after years of abuse. One stray pebble can scratch, dent, ding, or otherwise damage car splitters, while a lip kit successful deflects the rogue debris of the road.
Order a Quality Lip Kit
A quality car splitter can definitely enhance your ride, and it’s the perfect solution for the right vehicle. But if you’re looking to save money and time while achieving the ultimate in style and protection, we invite you to check out the All-Fit Lip Kit. Many drivers prefer the All-Fit Lip Kit’s sleek aesthetic, in addition to its wealth of other benefits. The All-Fit Lip Kit is subtle and smooth, while still giving your ride that awesome street style.
You can certainly use the highly customizable All-Fit on just the front bumper if you prefer, but we find that adding the optional sideskirts and rear bumper really finishes off the whole look. Car splitters can only be used for the front bumper, and you are going to have to pay considerably more money to install an additional body kit on the sides and rear. The All-Fit Lip Kit includes everything you need to finish the whole job at once, giving you that fully lowered look. If you would like more information about the All-Fit Lip Kit, please contact our helpful customer service team at (619) 500-3669, or send us a message through our convenient contact page.