Are Side Skirts and Side Spoilers Worth It?
If you're into modding your car or just want to give it a sharper edge, you've probably thought about adding side skirts or side spoilers. These upgrades aren’t just about turning heads—they play a real role in how your car performs. Whether you're after better grip at high speeds, a more aggressive look, or tighter handling around corners, these parts can change the way your car feels on the road. But like any upgrade, they come with trade-offs.
What Side Skirts and Side Spoilers Actually Do
A lot of people bolt on side skirts or side spoilers without knowing what they're really doing. Side skirts run along the bottom edges of your car between the front and rear wheels. Their main job is to control airflow. Without them, air can sneak underneath your car and mess with the aerodynamics. That causes lift and instability, especially at higher speeds.
Side spoilers usually flare out from the lower body. They're not the same as a rear spoiler. These are more like side-mounted fins or extensions. Their goal is to direct air away from the tires and help manage turbulence around the sides of the car. When paired with other aero parts, they can really fine-tune how your car handles airflow.
The Pros of Side Skirts
Improved Downforce and Grip
Once you start hitting higher speeds—especially on the highway or track—you want your car to feel planted. Side skirts help cut off the flow of air from rushing under the car, which reduces lift. That means your tires stay more connected to the road, giving you better control.
More High Speed Stability
If you've ever felt your car get light or floaty at high speeds, you're not imagining it. That's airflow doing its thing underneath the chassis. Side skirts help smooth that out, giving you more stability. You’ll feel more confident during quick lane changes or tight curves at speed.
Better Fuel Efficiency at Speed
While it won’t turn your car into a hybrid, reducing drag can lead to small gains in fuel economy. Less air resistance means the engine doesn’t work as hard to maintain speed. This benefit shows up most clearly on long highway drives where airflow matters more.
Sporty, Lowered Look
One of the main reasons people add side skirts is simple: they look good. They visually lower the car and give it that race-ready feel. Even without any major performance gains, they can totally change your car's vibe.
The Cons of Side Skirts
Less Ground Clearance
When you add side skirts, you’re effectively lowering the car—or at least the appearance of it. That’s great for looks but bad for curbs, speed bumps, and steep driveways. You’ll find yourself slowing down for every little bump in the road just to avoid scraping.
Risk of Damage
Most aftermarket side skirts are made from materials like fiberglass or carbon fiber. They’re light, but they’re also brittle. One good scrape or bump and they can crack or break. Replacement costs aren’t cheap either, especially if you want to keep everything looking clean and matched.
Can Be a Hassle to Install
Some side skirts come ready to bolt on, but others may require drilling, trimming, or using adhesive tape. If they’re not installed perfectly, they might rattle or even fall off over time. And if they don’t line up right with your car’s body, they’ll look off.
The Pros of Side Spoilers
Helps Cornering Performance
While side skirts help with overall balance, side spoilers are more about cornering and traction. When you're taking turns fast, the airflow can lift the car and reduce grip. Side spoilers redirect that air to increase downforce, helping you stay planted during sharp turns.
Adds a Performance Look
Visually, side spoilers take your build one step further. They add aggression, style, and function—all in one shot. If you're building a show car or just want your ride to stand out, they can give your car a serious attitude upgrade.
Balances Other Aero Mods
If you’ve already added a front splitter or a rear diffuser, adding side spoilers completes the look and balances the airflow. That balance matters more than you think. It keeps your car handling predictably and prevents weird lift or drag in specific spots.
The Cons of Side Spoilers
Not Ideal for Daily Driving
Big, track-style side spoilers can make it harder to live with your car. They can get in the way when parking, rub against things, or just attract too much attention. On a daily driver, they can quickly go from cool to inconvenient.
Might Hurt MPG in the City
While they help with airflow at speed, side spoilers can actually increase drag at lower speeds. In stop-and-go traffic or city driving, you might notice your fuel economy dip slightly—not a huge deal, but worth mentioning if you’re watching every gallon.
Style Doesn’t Fit Every Car
Just because something looks good on a track car doesn’t mean it’ll fit your Civic or Corolla. Some side spoilers can look awkward or out of place, especially if the rest of the car is stock. Without the right build to back them up, they might stick out in a bad way.
Final Thoughts
Side skirts and side spoilers aren't just for show—they offer real benefits when it comes to aerodynamics, grip, and style. They help your car feel more stable, stick better in corners, and look far more aggressive. But they also come with a price—literally and figuratively. Whether it's the risk of scraping, the install headaches, or just trying to find the right style, these mods need to match your driving habits and car setup. If you drive fast and love performance, they might be perfect.
FAQs
Are side skirts only for racing cars?
No, lots of daily drivers use them for looks or small aerodynamic benefits. You don’t have to track your car to enjoy them.
Will side spoilers void my car’s warranty?
Most of the time, no. But if they cause damage or interfere with factory parts, it could be an issue. Check with your dealership.
Can I remove them later if I don’t like them?
Yes, but some installs require drilling or adhesive, so removal could leave marks or need bodywork to restore.