?Ground effects? may sound like something you'd see in a blockbuster action film. When it comes to cars however, ground effects can really improve the safety and handling while giving your ride a really cool custom profile.

So What Are ?Ground Effects? Anyway?

For the uninitiated, ground effects are special parts that are either designed into an automobile's bodywork or more often are installed later as an aftermarket option. Ground effects fill in the gap between the bottom of the vehicle and the road. While ground effects definitely lend your ride a sporty, low-riding appearance, the fact is that they are first and foremost a safety device.

It's All About Traction

Contrary to what many people think, traction doesn't begin and end with your tire tread and the weight of the vehicle. Although its hard to imagine considering that the average automobile weighs anywhere from 2,500 to 4,000 pounds, but the fact is that when air is rushing under your vehicle at high speed, it acts like an airplane's wing and creates lift ? which can actually reduce tire contact with the road surface and compromise vehicle control.

In short, your car is actually going up into the sky ? not so much as an observer would notice it, but enough to significantly reduce the amount of contact between the rubber and the road, making it harder to keep your ride on the straight and narrow.

Sticking To The Road

With ground effects installed on your vehicle, the air stream is defected around and over your vehicle rather than under it. When the distance between the surface of the road and the underside of your vehicle is reduced, it also creates a vacuum underneath your car while in motion. If you remember anything about physics, you know that nature abhors a vacuum. What happens is this reduced air pressure under your car literally causes it to be ?sucked down? onto the ground, which results in greater traction and more control at high speeds. (Obviously, ground effects are for street machines only; this is not an accessory for your four-wheel drive, dune buggy or other off-road vehicle.)

Easily Installed

Ground effects are available as stand-alone items or as part of a complete body kit. Moreover, there are over 40 different manufactures offering products at a range of prices and made from different materials. As is the case with total body kits, ground effects are made from:

-fiberglass (the traditional body modification material)

-polyurethane (a lightweight, highly durable form of plastic)

-carbon fiber (the ultimate in strong, lightweight material)

Some manufacturers also offer ground effects made from aluminum. Regardless of the material you choose, you'll find that ground effects made for your specific make and model are quick and easy to install (some prep work may be required for painting).

You'll find ground effects for virtually any and every make and model automobile manufactured anywhere in the world over the past two decades. They're a sharp-looking accessory, and if you are a driver with a ?need for speed,? they're a valuable safety device that can help you maintain greater control.