Tesla model 3 front lip: What does it do?
Very often, motorists improve their cars. Among the most popular upgrades are the headlights, the color of the car, as well as the splitter on the bumper. For the correct choice of splitter, it is necessary to consider its types, pros, and cons.
A splitter is one of the varieties of spoilers used on cars. And it performs a similar task, improving aerodynamic characteristics. Although there are also such tuning options when the installation of the lip is aimed solely at external changes, and the part does not have a special effect on the aerodynamics.
Splitters have become widespread in the field of sports racing, since not only the power of the engine plays a key role here. The rules usually provide for strict restrictions on the power and volume of the internal combustion engine. To surpass the rivals, the emphasis in the design of the car is on aerodynamics. And they rarely do without splitters here.
Before you put a splitter on a car, it will not be superfluous to learn about its properties and understand whether it is really needed specifically in your situation.
What is the lip of the front bumper?
Car splitter, or, in other words, a divider (quite simply – “lip” or “skirt”) – a carbon (or other suitable material) planar part installed from below on the car bumper (or from another suitable material) of decent size, which reduces the aerodynamic drag of the vehicle (hereinafter referred to as the vehicle).
The splitter on the bumper achieves an improvement in the aerodynamic qualities of the vehicle by limiting the flow of air under its bottom, thereby achieving its corresponding vacuum in this area and creating downforce acting on the object from top to bottom.
The splitter on the front bumper diverts air over the sides or through the corresponding channels in the bumper. This air can also be directed to cool the engine, and front brakes, or for use by the rear diffuser.
Here are 3 main reasons that prompt car owners to install a lip on the front bumper of their car:
Advantages of a splitter
1. Reduce the airflow under the car
The presence of a protrusion on the front bumper helps to reduce the flow of air under the car. This can help in fuel economy by reducing drag.
The amount of airflow reduction depends on the type of bumper edge you install on your car.
For example, heavy fiberglass bumpers or bumper edges don’t really improve fuel economy. The extra weight of the bumper compensates for any aerodynamic advantages.
Basically, if you’re worried about reducing airflow without increasing weight, it’s best to get a lightweight rubber bumper.
Bumper lips can also help increase downforce, which improves handling. However, this usually only benefits vehicles that drive on the highway.
The car has to move fast enough to create noticeable downforce. If you have a daily driver, there are probably no noticeable driving benefits from any type of bumper sponge. You just can’t move fast enough to make them work.
2. Protection bumper from damage
Bumper edges provide a certain degree of protection against scratches on a parking block, speed bump, or curb. However, the level of protection depends on the edge material.
Some sponges are basically just garage door seals and are likely to break on the first collision with an obstacle. If the lip is made of fiberglass or carbon fiber, it may crack or split on the first blow.
If you’re looking for maximum protection, invest in the lip of the front bumper, made of durable rubber.
3. Give the car a lower look
Some people set the edge of the front bumper only to give the car a lower look. The edge of the front bumper not only reduces airflow and protects the front bumper from damage, but also improves the appearance of the car.
Disadvantages of splitters
According to the order of appearance of minuses when installing splitters, their list is as follows:
- Material costs. Minimal – when purchasing splitters on the bumper from cheap. When installing them by the owner of the vehicle himself (especially if it is done for beauty, including rubberized materials). Quite decent – if the material is expensive, the splitter is not universal, but special (especially expensive – individual) and the work is performed at the service station.
- Reduction of vehicle clearance.
Types of splitters
The materials from which splitters are made are very diverse:
- A very cheap material made of synthetic resins with a fiberglass mesh placed inside to increase strength. Mass production is not used, as it is unprofitable for manufacturers.
- ABS plastic. Also, a very cheap material, which (with the addition of various impurities) is widely used by automakers, but the service life of parts made of it is relatively short due to the evaporation of volatile phenol compounds from it.
- It has found application in the automotive industry quite recently. This polymer is valued for its plasticity, thermal stability, and long service life.
- Carbon fiber or carbon fiber. This material is good for everyone but has one drawback – a high price, so it is usually used for expensive and prestigious vehicles.
- Steel or aluminum. In the XXI century, completely steel and aluminum parts are practically no longer made. In the case of splitters, they are mostly spoiler blades.
READ ALSO: 3 best tesla rim protectors
Installation
To improve and refine your car, it is quite possible to install a splitter yourself. This will require a confident hand, a set of tools and consumables, as well as the aerodynamic element itself.
The installation process consists of several successive steps:
- First of all, you need to purchase a suitable element for your car. Be sure to try on the part.
- Make sure that everything is clearly adjusted to the size and level. Make sure that the lip fits snugly, there are no distortions and gaps.
- Thoroughly clean the bumper of the car from dirt, and perform degreasing. A regular soapy solution will do.
- It is also recommended to remove the factory varnish from the bumper, which will provide a better connection of the parts to each other. Varnish is removed only at the joint.
- Using a sealant without a primer, gently apply the line of connection of the parts. Very convenient material for such tasks.
- Apply a primer to the surfaces to be glued, and then a primer.
- A layer of sealant is applied to the aerodynamic part. Excess should be removed with a spatula or rags. No need to try to rub the remnants into the voids.
- The bumper and splitter are pressed tightly against each other and left for about 20 minutes. At the bottom, the edge of the skirt can be fixed with a pair of self-tapping screws, and at the top with tape. It takes about 24 hours to fully grasp.
- When forming seams, a silicone transparent sealant is used.
As always, we scoured the market in search of a decent option for your Tesla and are ready to present them here.
So, here’s our ranking:
Classic version – Kingna Fit Tesla Model 3
Sport variant – Performance Style Winglet
The most stylish – SPEEDPARK
Consider the pros and cons of each of them:
Classic version Kingna Fit Tesla Model 3
It is this option that is matte, but there are also glossy. An inexpensive and durable, budget-friendly way to make your car stand out and stylish.
And also – to protect the car from scratches and wear on the body.
Sport variant Performance Style Winglet
Super lightweight and durable. Excellent design with all the aesthetic aerodynamic lines on the lips. This is definitely one of the most beautiful lip kits.
The most stylish lip SPEEDPARK
The three-stage split design, corresponding to the original curvature of the car’s edge, greatly improves the sporty appearance of your Model 3.
By the way, with this model, they also often buy the so-called side skirts.
Conclusion
Your car bumper isn’t just a decoration for your car. It does quite a few extra functions besides improving the appearance of the car. It can protect your car from minor damage and even improve its aerodynamics.
If you decide to update your Tesla and make it more stylish – today it is not costly and easy, as you can see from our review.
We hope this will help you decide on the choice if you can not decide to buy a new accessory for the car.
Look at one more review about Tesla model 3 front lip.
FAQ
Does a front splitter increase speed?
A car splitter is a body modification, that is usually attached to the bottom of the bumper at the front of the vehicle. They are typically made from carbon fibre (or similar durable materials), which is a light material that allows your car to reach higher speeds.
How do you fix the front lip of your car?
To fix a cracked bumper lip, you can: Seal the crack using epoxies or bonding materials. You can purchase these online or at most auto shops. Once you align the crack, apply the product as instructed and let it dry before driving.
