In automotive exterior modification, terms like full body kit or 4-piece body kit are commonly heard. But what exactly are body kits? What parts are included in a body kit? How do you choose the right one? And what should you pay attention to when buying? Don’t worry, in this article, we will address these questions in detail to help you understand and solve your confusion.
The Purpose of Automotive Body Kits
Also known as “aero kits,” body kits are components primarily designed for race cars, but are widely used in street cars for various purposes. The main functions of body kits include:
Weight Reduction: Some parts of the body kit help reduce the overall weight of the vehicle.
Reduction of Reverse Airflow and Increased Downforce: The components are designed to reduce drag and turbulence, while increasing downforce for better stability at high speeds, ultimately improving fuel efficiency.
Customization and Aesthetics: Body kits also play a key role in enhancing the personalized appearance of a vehicle.
1. Reducing Wind Resistance (Aerodynamics)
The development of the automotive aftermarket culture has led to the rise of body kits, primarily aiming to enhance vehicle speed and stability at high speeds. Since a vehicle’s speed is influenced by its drag coefficient, aerodynamics kits have become popular. These kits are designed to modify the car’s shape to reduce drag or influence high-speed airflow, improving stability and aesthetics.
Airflow management components typically include:
Bumpers, Front Lips,Side Skirts,Rear Lips,Spoilers,Ducktail Spoilers,Rear Diffusers.
2. Personalization and Aesthetics
Besides performance, body kits are one of the main tools for enhancing a vehicle’s exterior appearance. While the performance benefits of aero kits are more noticeable in racing environments, for everyday drivers, these kits mainly serve as aesthetic upgrades. Many people opt to upgrade the exterior components to give their older models a more contemporary or performance-oriented look.
Types of Body Kits:
Commonly used terms include “Full Body Kits” and “4-piece Body Kits”.
4-Piece Body Kit
This refers to a body kit consisting of four major components to improve both the appearance and aerodynamics of a vehicle. These components typically include:Front Bumper,Rear Bumper,Side Skirts,Rear Diffuser
Full Body Kit
This is a more comprehensive upgrade that includes the entire car’s exterior components, such as the front bumper, rear bumper, side skirts, and spoiler. Its main function is to manage the airflow around the car to reduce drag and increase downforce for improved aerodynamic performance. The body kit components are often made from materials like ABS, PP, carbon fiber, and fiberglass. ABS, PP, and resin fiber are commonly used, while carbon fiber is typically found in high-end models due to its higher cost.
Body Kit Components Explained:
Bumpers (Front & Rear)
Bumpers are designed to absorb impact and protect the car. They are made with durable materials to not only serve as a safety feature but also improve the car’s aesthetics.
Front Lips, Side Skirts, Rear Lips
These parts, also known as front spoilers or front lips, side skirts, and rear lips, are designed to change the car’s aerodynamics by improving airflow, increasing stability, and enhancing the car’s appearance.
Spoilers (Tail Wings)
Tail wings, or spoilers, help provide more downforce at high speeds, which improves stability. While the primary function in racing is to improve vehicle performance, for daily vehicles, spoilers are mostly for visual appeal.
Rear Diffuser & Rear Spoiler
The rear diffuser and rear spoiler are crucial components in managing airflow at the car’s rear. These elements reduce lift and enhance downforce, improving the vehicle’s overall stability and handling.
Things to Consider When Installing a Body Kit:
*Choose High-Quality Products
Since the body kit will be integrated with your car, it is essential to choose high-quality materials. A fragile kit can easily crack or break with daily use, leading to additional costs for replacements and unnecessary inconvenience.
*Professional Installation
It is crucial to have a professional installer with experience in body kit installation. Proper installation ensures that all parts fit correctly and function as intended, without damaging your vehicle.
How Much Does a Body Kit Cost?
The cost of a body kit depends on the vehicle make and model. As you might expect, luxury and performance vehicles tend to have higher prices for body kits. Contact us for a detailed quote based on your specific vehicle!
By following these tips and understanding what body kits are and how they work, you’ll be able to choose the right modifications to enhance your vehicle’s appearance and performance.
