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View Full Version : Better Mileage With A Spoiler??

MadMax
05-18-2009, 01:59 PM
OK, as crazy as this sounds, it is a legitimate question...

Has anyone who has added a spoiler to their hatchbacks noticed any improvement in gas mileage?

I am wondering if the addition of a spoiler helps smooth the airflow in any way over the back of the car. I know the egg shape is already pretty smooth, but a spoiler could deflect the airflow in a way that makes it even more aerodynamic.

Cheers! M2
eTiMaGo
05-18-2009, 03:36 PM
hmmm to be honest pretty much all the spoilers out there are more for cosmetics than real aerodynamic improvement... It's not all about smoothing airflow but minimizing the turbulence at the back of the car, that would require a carefully designed and tested wing...
roxy1
05-18-2009, 04:36 PM
spoiler on a yaris is completely cosmetic. even if it had a purpose, it wouldnt be to increase mileage, but more likely to create downforce. i added a spoiler to my 06 corolla and noticed a 2 mpg decrease immediately and consistently over a 3 month period. removed it and got my 2 mpg back. not scientific, but im certain it was just adding drag and, as a side note, looking ridiculous as spoilers usually do on economy cars.
BailOut
05-18-2009, 04:38 PM
spoiler on a yaris is completely cosmetic. even if it had a purpose, it wouldnt be to increase mileage, but more likely to create downforce.
Correct! And even if it did improve MPG it would be by such a small amount that the cost of it would never break even.
1stToyota
05-18-2009, 07:21 PM
I noticed a messier rear window and I use the rear wiper more often now when it rains because the airflow seems f'd up now. Factory lip spoiler looks great though.
CtrlAltDefeat
05-25-2009, 02:41 AM
By definition a spoiler increases drag to increase down-force. It will make your mpg worse, and slow your car down. If your car does not feel floaty and loose in the rear at high speeds, you do not need a spoiler. I always laugh my ass off at these idiots who put those giant spoilers on their shitty stock cars with nos stickers and a coffee can exhaust tip.
jambo101
05-25-2009, 05:25 AM
. I always laugh my ass off at these idiots who put those giant spoilers on their shitty stock cars with nos stickers and a coffee can exhaust tip.

And i bet they use premium gasoline for the extra hp:biggrin:
CtrlAltDefeat
05-25-2009, 05:53 AM
No, they would rather spend the money on that new sticker they've had their eye on :laugh: