What is A Car Lip Splitter and What Does It Do?
If you’re looking for an aftermarket accessory that improves your car’s overall performance, a car splitter is a great option. It’s a great accessory that offers a lot of value. What exactly is a car splitter, though, and how does it work? We’re here to tell you everything you need to know about car splitters.
Car Splitters Explained
A car splitter is a rigid extension that’s added to the bottom of the front bumper. It looks like a flat scoop that extends out in front. It’s usually made from carbon fiber or another durable material. Splitters sometimes have support rods that are attached between the splitter and the bumper. They reinforce the splitter and keep it parallel to the ground at speed.
How Do Car Splitters Work?
Splitters contribute to the car’s performance by “splitting” the air to reduce lift and increase traction.
When a car reaches high speeds, air pressure builds up at the front of the car. The air forced under the car is at a relatively high pressure. The air going over the top of the car is at a relatively low pressure. This causes the front of the car to lift very slightly and results in reduced traction on the road.
A car splitter acts like a wedge that forces the high pressure air upwards instead of letting the air pass underneath the car. This results in downforce that increases traction.
Image Credit: evoballer
Many drivers combine a splitter with a front air dam. Some air dams have openings that direct the air into ducts to cool the brakes. Car body upgrades in general are all about redirecting air to increase performance.
Car Splitters Vs. Lip Kits
Car splitters have a lot to offer, but they’re not the only game in town. It is actually possible to get similar performance gains with a quality lip kit. But, a lip kit can often be purchased at a fraction of the cost of a splitter.
What is a Lip Kit?
A lip kit is a flexible strip that attaches to the bumper. Like a car splitter, a lip kit helps to prevent air from moving under the car. This improves downforce and aerodynamics while providing protection for the bumper.
When trying to choose between a car splitter and a lip kit, it ultimately boils down to style, preference, budget, and the following factors:
1. Ease of Installation
In general, a lip kit is much easier to install than a car splitter. Even if you don’t have any experience upgrading cars, you should still be able to install a quality lip kit in 15 minutes or less with no permanent modifications to your vehicle. Although installation is typically non-invasive, a good kit should still last the full life of your vehicle if properly installed and cared for.
2. Durability of Materials
Car splitters are usually made from fiberglass, carbon fiber, Alumilite, or other composites. Your basic lip kit is made from high-quality, durable rubber. So while a lip kit may not look as flashy on the surface, it actually does a much better job of maintaining its integrity after years of abuse. One stray pebble can scratch, dent, ding, or otherwise damage a car splitter. A lip kit successfully deflects all kinds of debris from the road.
The All-Fit Lip Kit
A quality car splitter can definitely enhance your ride, and it’s the perfect solution for the right vehicle. However, if you’re looking to save money and time while gaining style and protection, we invite you to check out the All-Fit Lip Kit. Many drivers prefer the All-Fit Lip Kit’s sleek aesthetic in addition to a wealth of other benefits. The All-Fit Lip Kit is subtle and smooth, while still giving your ride that awesome street style.
You can certainly use the highly customizable All-Fit on just the front bumper if you prefer, but we find that adding the optional side skirts and rear bumper kit really finishes off the whole look. Car splitters can only be used on the front bumper, and you are going to have to pay considerably more money to install an additional body kit on the sides and rear. The All-Fit Lip Kit includes everything you need to finish the whole job at once, giving you that fully lowered look.
Please contact us if you would like more information about the All-Fit lip kit.