Why a Spoiler Is More Than Just Looks
A spoiler does more than turn heads — it’s a functional upgrade that can dramatically impact how your car handles at speed. Whether you’re chasing lap times or just want that aggressive street presence, choosing the right spoiler for your car is about more than just aesthetics. It’s about performance, precision, and personality.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know before buying a spoiler — including types, materials, fitment, and how to choose one that actually improves your car’s performance and resale value.
1. What Does a Spoiler Do?
At its core, a spoiler is designed to manage airflow. By disrupting or redirecting air over your car, it can reduce lift and increase downforce — keeping your vehicle more stable at high speeds.
Key Benefits:
- Improved traction and grip (especially rear-wheel drive cars)
- Increased stability at high speeds
- Enhanced braking performance
- Aggressive, motorsport-inspired looks
2. Know Your Spoiler Types
Choosing the right spoiler starts with knowing the types available. Each one serves a different purpose and suits a different style or performance goal.
Lip Spoiler
Subtle and elegant, a lip spoiler mounts on the edge of the trunk. It’s perfect for OEM+ builds and daily drivers who want mild aerodynamic benefits with a clean look.
Ducktail Spoiler
Curves upward at the rear, giving retro race car vibes. Popular in Porsche-style builds or for drivers looking for moderate downforce with bold styling.
Raised/Wing Spoiler
Offers the highest downforce potential. These are functional spoilers that lift above the trunk lid, often seen in racing, track builds, or aggressive street cars.
Pedestal Spoiler
Similar to a wing but mounted with two vertical supports. Can be factory or aftermarket. Adds moderate performance and a sporty feel.
Active/Aero Spoiler
Electronic or hydraulic spoilers that deploy at speed. Found in high-end sports cars, but aftermarket versions are rare and costly.
3. Material Matters: Choose Performance, Not Plastic
Not all spoilers are created equal — especially when it comes to material.
| Material | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| ABS Plastic | Affordable, lightweight, easy to paint | Weak at speed, can warp over time |
| Fiberglass | Cost-effective, can be shaped easily | Brittle, heavy, less premium |
| Carbon Fibre (Wet) | Lightweight, stylish weave | Resin-heavy, may fade or yellow |
| Carbon Fibre (Dry/Pre-Preg) | Aerospace-grade, strongest and lightest | Premium price, harder to manufacture |
| Aluminium | Strong, race-ready, good for wings | Heavy, not suitable for all cars |
If you’re serious about both looks and function, dry pre-preg carbon fibre is the gold standard — used in motorsport, aerospace, and our signature ASM kits.
4. Fitment: OEM vs Custom vs Universal
Spoilers must match your car’s design lines, trunk angle, and width to be effective — and to avoid damaging your vehicle.
- OEM-Fit Spoilers: Designed for your exact car model. Easy install, perfect lines, no drilling in most cases.
- Universal Spoilers: Can fit multiple vehicles but often require drilling, adjustment, and may not provide proper aero performance.
- Custom or One-Off Builds: Fully tailored spoilers are rare and expensive but offer unique performance and appearance for extreme builds.
At ASM Tuning, all our spoilers are precision-designed using 3D scan data of the real vehicle for perfect fitment.
Read the full report of our ASM BMW G87 M2 Dry Carbon Spoiler
5. Choosing Based on Your Driving Style
Not every spoiler suits every purpose. Your daily commute and your weekend track days demand different setups.
| Driving Style | Best Spoiler Type |
|---|---|
| Daily Driving | Lip or Ducktail Spoiler |
| Street Performance | Raised or Ducktail Spoiler |
| Track/Racing | Raised Wing with end plates |
| Show Build | Oversized carbon fibre spoiler |
| Touring/GT Build | Active or blended ducktail |
6. Downforce vs Drag: Don’t Make This Mistake
One of the biggest misconceptions is that any spoiler will give you “better grip” — but the wrong spoiler can increase drag without any usable downforce, actually slowing you down.
The Balance:
- Downforce helps keep tires planted — great for cornering at speed.
- Drag hurts top speed and fuel efficiency.
The key is a spoiler that adds downforce without creating unnecessary turbulence or resistance. That’s where CFD-tested spoilers (like our dry carbon models) make all the difference.
7. How to Check Compatibility with Your Vehicle
Before you buy, you need to verify that your chosen spoiler matches:
- Vehicle make, model, and year
- Trunk lid shape and width
- Any factory spoilers or lip already installed
- Whether drilling or 3M bonding is required
Many buyers also forget to account for reversibility — do you want the option to remove it later without damaging the vehicle?
Tip: Ask for detailed measurements or a template before buying if the manufacturer doesn’t clearly state compatibility.
8. Should You DIY or Have It Professionally Installed?
DIY Installation:
- Possible with lip and small ducktail spoilers
- Usually involves 3M double-sided tape or bolt-on brackets
- Risk of misalignment or scratches
Professional Install:
- Recommended for high-end carbon wings or spoilers with drilling required
- Proper torque, angle, and sealing ensure performance and durability
For our carbon fibre spoilers at ASM Tuning, we always recommend professional fitting to ensure correct aero angle and secure mounting.
9. Legal Considerations & Road Use
While most lip spoilers and OEM-style ducktails are street legal, raised wings or GT-style spoilers may violate local regulations if:
- They block the rear view
- Extend beyond the body width
- Use exposed sharp mounts or plates
Check with your local laws or MOT/inspection guidelines before fitting an oversized spoiler. Also confirm insurance doesn’t void your policy with “non-approved modifications.”
10. Bonus: Do Spoilers Increase Resale Value?
Done right, yes. Especially if you choose high-quality carbon fibre components that enhance the car’s appearance without compromising OEM functionality.
Spoilers that add value:
- Genuine carbon fibre with OEM-like fit
- Clean install with no damage to bodywork
- Documented installation and reputable brand
Spoilers that hurt value:
- Oversized wings on non-performance cars
- Poorly fitted or cheap eBay parts
- Drilled holes with no sealing or paint protection
Final Thoughts: Pick Purpose Over Hype
Spoilers are one of the most misunderstood tuning parts. Don’t just follow Instagram trends — choose one that matches your car’s performance potential, your driving needs, and your taste.
A carbon fibre spoiler doesn’t just add presence — it adds performance when done right. And at ASM Tuning, every spoiler we craft is designed not only to fit — but to win.
FAQs
Q: Do spoilers actually make your car faster?
A: Indirectly. Spoilers don’t add horsepower, but they increase traction and stability at speed — allowing you to corner faster and brake more efficiently.
Q: Can I install a spoiler without drilling?
A: Many lip and ducktail spoilers use high-strength 3M tape. For large wings, drilling is often required for structural safety.
Q: What’s the best spoiler material?
A: Dry pre-preg carbon fibre — it’s the lightest, strongest, and used in motorsport-grade applications.
Q: Is a rear wing better than a ducktail?
A: It depends on your use. Wings provide more downforce but create more drag. Ducktails balance both and look cleaner for street cars.
Q: Will a spoiler void my warranty?
A: Not usually, but check with your dealership. Mods that require cutting, drilling, or ECU tuning can sometimes impact factory warranties.
Ready to Add a Spoiler to Your Build?
At ASM Tuning, we don’t just sell spoilers — we engineer them for real-world gains. Every piece is CFD-tested, dry carbon constructed, and built for enthusiasts who demand function with form.
Explore our collection of carbon fibre spoilers here
Need help choosing? Contact our tuning experts today.
