What are Coilovers? Everything You Need to Know

Coilovers have become increasingly popular among car enthusiasts in recent times. If you’re wondering what coilovers are and whether they’re suitable for your vehicle, keep reading. This guide will provide you with all the details you need to know about coilovers.

What Are Coilovers?

To put it simply, coilovers are a type of suspension system that includes a shock absorber and a spring. The shock absorber is responsible for damping and controlling the compression and rebound of the spring. Meanwhile, the spring supports the weight of the vehicle and helps regulate its height and balance.

How Do Coilovers Work?

Coilovers work by compressing the spring and damper together, which provides better handling and ride comfort. Unlike standard springs and shocks, coilovers allow you to adjust the ride height of your vehicle. This feature allows you to lower or raise your car as desired, which can improve its appearance and performance.

Why Should You Consider Coilovers?

If you’re planning to upgrade your vehicle’s suspension, then coilovers are an excellent choice. Here are some benefits of using coilovers:

Improved Handling

Coilovers provide more precise handling compared to traditional suspension systems. They offer better adjustability, allowing you to fine-tune the car’s suspension to suit your driving style.

Better Performance

With coilovers, you can achieve better road grip and traction. This means that you’ll be able to take corners faster and more safely.

Customizability

Coilovers offer multiple levels of customization to fit different driving needs. For example, you can choose different spring rates, shock dampening settings, and ride heights.

Aesthetics

Coilovers can also enhance the look of your vehicle. By lowering the ride height, you can achieve a sleek and aggressive stance that turns heads on the road.

When Should You Install Coilovers?

You should install coilovers if you want to improve your car’s handling and performance or enhance its aesthetics. However, there are some instances when coilovers may not be suitable for your vehicle:

Daily Driving

If you use your car primarily for daily commutes or errands, then coilovers may not be necessary. They’re designed for high-performance driving and may not provide the comfort that you need for everyday use.

Harsh Weather Conditions

Coilovers are also less suitable for rough or slippery roads. If you live in an area with harsh weather conditions, then coilovers may not be the best choice for your car.

How to Install Coilovers on Your Car

If you’ve decided to install coilovers on your vehicle, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Gather Your Tools

You’ll need various tools to install coilovers, including a jack, jack stands, wrenches, sockets, and pliers. Make sure you have everything you need before you start.

Step 2: Remove the Old Suspension

Remove the old suspension components from your car by detaching the wheel assembly and cutting the old spring. You may need to follow specific instructions based on your vehicle model.

Step 3: Install the Coilover Assembly

Install the coilover assembly by attaching the new shock absorber and spring to the vehicle. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to ensure proper installation.

Step 4: Adjust the Coilovers

Adjust the coilovers to your desired ride height and damping settings. You can fine-tune these settings later based on your driving experience.

Step 5: Test Drive Your Car

Take your car for a test drive to make sure that the coilovers are working correctly. Listen for any strange noises and check if there’s any abnormal movement or vibration.

Pros and Cons of Using Coilovers

While coilovers offer many benefits, they also come with some drawbacks. Here are some pros and cons of using coilovers:

Pros

• Improved handling
• Better performance
• Customizability
• Aesthetics

Cons

• Stiff ride quality
• Higher cost compared to traditional suspension systems
• Complicated installation process

Alternatives to Coilovers

If you’re not interested in using coilovers, there are other suspension systems that you can consider:

Lowering Springs

Lowering springs lower the ride height of your car and improve its handling. However, they don’t offer as much adjustability as coilovers.

Air Suspension

Air suspension allows you to adjust the ride height of your car using airbags. It offers better comfort than coilovers but may not be suitable for high-performance driving.

Tips for Maintaining Your Coilovers

To ensure that your coilovers last long and perform optimally, here are some simple maintenance tips you should follow:

• Regularly clean and inspect your coilovers for damage or leaks.
• Avoid harsh driving conditions that can damage your suspension system.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when adjusting your coilovers.
• Lubricate your coilovers regularly to prevent rust and corrosion.

FAQs

Are coilovers suitable for all car models?

Coilovers are designed for specific car models, so it’s important to choose the right one for your vehicle.

Can I install coilovers myself, or do I need professional help?

While it’s possible to install coilovers yourself, it’s recommended to seek professional help to ensure proper installation and prevent any damage to your car.

How much should I expect to pay for coilovers?

Coilovers can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on the brand and features.

Do coilovers affect ride quality?

Coilovers can provide a stiffer ride quality compared to traditional suspension systems, but this can be balanced out by adjusting the damping settings.

Can I use coilovers for off-road driving?

Coilovers may not be suitable for off-road driving since they’re designed for high-performance driving on smooth roads. It’s recommended to use specialized suspension systems for off-road driving.

Conclusion

Coilovers are an excellent suspension upgrade option if you’re looking to improve your car’s handling and performance. They offer better adjustability, customizability, and aesthetics compared to traditional suspension systems. However, they may not be suitable for daily driving or rough road conditions. Proper installation and maintenance are key to ensuring that your coilovers perform optimally and last long.