About Car Ground Effects
Ground effects are most commonly found on sportscars or other fast-driving automobiles. They make a car look like a race car by adding to the body of the car, extending it almost all the way to the ground.
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Significance
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Lightweight cars can benefit greatly from ground effects. The added control from the diffusion of air leads to better handling and less chance an accident will be caused by the air lifting the car off the ground. Ground effects visibly enhance the appearance of a car by making it look sportier. For drivers who use their vehicle at high speeds, the reduction of air flow also helps decrease the risk of an accident due to a loss of contact between the tires and the road.
Function
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Ground effects give a driver more control over his car. Ground effects create a physical block so air flow goes around the car rather than under it. This leads to better traction with the road, and therefore more control over the car.
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Types
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There are different types of ground effects, varying according to their placement on the car. The front ground effects wrap around the entire front end of the car, from front wheel to front wheel. Side ground effects that extend from the front wheel to the back wheel on each side prevent the air from going under the car after the front ground effects block it.
Identification
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Ground effects are usually identified by a seam between the effect and the car body where they attach to each other. Ground effects are nearer to the ground than a normal car body, so cars with ground effects can be identified by their closeness to the road.
Considerations
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Different cars require different ground effects. Each type of car has customized ground effects, meaning that they only fit a specific body type. Ground effects are expensive, and in general, are selected more for appearance than function. If the desire for better control of the car is the reason for purchasing ground effects, make sure the parts will actually increase control of the vehicle, not simply enhance the appearance of the car.
Warning
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By bringing the car lower to the ground, ground effects also increase the risk of bottoming out or scraping the underside of the car when ascending or descending an incline. Scraping causes damage to the ground effects, possibly necessitating replacement or extensive maintenance. Determine what level of inclines leads to problems with scraping, and avoid any ascents or descents that may present that problem.
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