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In the world of transport, logistics, and trucks, fuel consumption and maintenance costs play a crucial role. Particularly, minimizing these two factors is key. This is not only beneficial for the wallet but also promotes sustainability. One aspect that is often overlooked, however, is the aerodynamics of trucks. Spoilers can play a significant role in this area, making them a smart investment for truck owners who spend many hours on the road. But what exactly are spoilers, and what is aerodynamics? These are logical questions. In this article, we will answer them and discuss how spoilers work and the benefits they offer.
A spoiler can thus play an important role in the aerodynamics of trucks, as they are aerodynamic components. It's useful to start with the basics: what exactly is aerodynamics? Aerodynamics is the study of how air moves around objects. For vehicles like trucks, aerodynamics focuses on reducing air resistance. Air resistance is the force exerted by the air when a vehicle moves forward. The higher this resistance, the more fuel the vehicle uses to keep moving. Aerodynamics plays an important role in trucks because the large surfaces of the vehicle create a lot of air resistance, especially at high speeds. Reducing this air resistance is key to saving costs and reducing CO2 emissions.
Trucks often reach high speeds on highways, making air resistance one of the biggest factors affecting fuel consumption. To reduce this air resistance, there are special aerodynamic adjustments for trucks. Spoilers are typically mounted on the roof and sides of the cab, and can also be attached to the rear of the trailer. The purpose of the spoiler is to control the airflow around the vehicle, reducing turbulence. This allows the truck to move more smoothly, leading to lower fuel consumption.
Spoilers are particularly useful for long-haul trucks that are commonly found on highways, but they may not be as beneficial for every type of vehicle. Take, for example, urban distribution vehicles or those that drive at lower speeds. These types of vehicles gain less advantage from spoilers since air resistance has less impact on fuel consumption when you don’t reach high speeds. Other techniques, such as low rolling resistance tires, may be more effective for these vehicles when it comes to cost savings and sustainability.
There are different types of spoilers for trucks and each has its own advantages. The most common types are:
Roof spoilers: As the name suggests, these spoilers are mounted on the roof of the cab. They direct the air over the cab and trailer instead of letting it collide with the trailer. Vehicles with large bodies, such as trailers and closed box trucks, can particularly benefit from a roof spoiler truck.
Side spoilers: Another common type is the side spoiler. These are mounted on the sides of the cab, helping to guide the airflow along the vehicle, thus reducing air resistance.
Rear spoilers: A rear spoiler truck is mounted on the back of the trailer. It ensures that the airflow detaches from the vehicle in a more controlled manner, reducing the air pressure at the rear of the trailer and minimizing the “suction” effect that slows the truck down.
Lower fuel costs: As mentioned several times, one of the biggest advantages of spoilers on trucks is fuel savings. The engine doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain a constant speed when air resistance is lower. Depending on the vehicle type and driving conditions, this can lead to fuel savings of 5 to 15%. Over time, this can make a significant difference in costs.
Reduction in CO2 emissions: Because fuel consumption is reduced, spoilers also contribute to a decrease in CO2 emissions. This is especially important in a world where sustainability and a low carbon footprint are becoming increasingly crucial.
Improved stability and safety: A spoiler is not only cost-effective and sustainable, but it also contributes to the stability and safety of the vehicle. For example, when there is a strong crosswind, spoilers can help keep the vehicle more stable by directing the airflow more efficiently. This way, the driver experiences fewer wind gusts.
Lower maintenance costs: Since the air resistance is reduced, the engine is less strained. In the long run, this leads to less wear and tear on engine components and a longer lifespan for the vehicle.
The cost of spoilers depends on the type and quality. Generally, roof spoilers for trucks are the most expensive option, followed by side and rear spoilers. However, the investment usually pays off within a few years due to the fuel savings.
It's difficult to pinpoint exactly how much you will save with spoilers. This largely depends on factors such as driving style, load, and driving conditions. Studies, however, show that spoilers have a significant impact, especially on the fuel costs of a vehicle.
There is currently a strong push for companies to drive more sustainably. For this reason, truck manufacturers are increasingly focusing on aerodynamic designs. Manufacturers like Volvo, Scania, and Mercedes-Benz are developing trucks with improved aerodynamics. These trucks already have integrated spoilers, and their cabins are designed with smooth surfaces to reduce air resistance by default. Do you have an older model without these built-in features? Adding spoilers afterward is an excellent option for saving costs and becoming more sustainable.
Installing spoilers requires professionalism. It’s important to mount them securely and position them correctly. If a spoiler is installed incorrectly, it can even have the opposite effect, increasing air resistance. Regularly checking the mounting points for damage or wear is also crucial, especially with roof spoilers. Do you need help with installing a spoiler or fully customizing your vehicle? Get in touch with our team or visit our BAS World store, where we can professionally equip your vehicle with the right spoilers and modifications for optimal results.