Did you know that coilovers are one of the most popular aftermarket modifications for cars? This is because they offer a variety of benefits, including improved handling and performance. However, there are also a few drawbacks to using coilovers, which is why it’s important to understand both the pros and cons before making a purchase.
The main pros of coilovers are that they provide much better ride quality and handling than stock suspension, and they allow you to customize the height and stiffness of your suspension to match your driving style and needs.
The main cons of coilovers are that they can be expensive, and require more maintenance than stock suspension. They also require more skill to install and adjust properly.
What Are Coilovers?
Coilovers are a type of suspension that combines the shock absorbers and springs into one unit. This makes them more compact and often easier to install than traditional suspension systems.
Coilovers offer adjustable ride height and damping, which means you can fine-tune your car’s handling to match your driving style and road conditions. They’re also a popular choice for track days, as they allow you to dial in just the right amount of stiffness and downforce for optimum performance.
They provide a much more adjustable suspension than stock shocks and springs and are popular among racers and enthusiasts for their ability to fine-tune the ride height and handling of a car.
Most coilover systems also include camber plates, which allow you to adjust the camber angle of your wheels for improved handling. They are a popular choice for track cars and performance enthusiasts, as they offer a lot of flexibility in terms of tuning your car’s handling and ride quality.
Read also: What To Do With Old Suspension Parts?
Are Coilovers Better Than Other Suspension Parts?
It depends on what you mean by “better”. Coilovers offer a lot of flexibility and adjustability, which can be good or bad depending on your needs. They can give you a much tighter, more stable ride than stock suspension, but they can also be more difficult to adjust and harder to find the right settings for.
In general, coilovers are seen as a better option than other aftermarket suspensions parts like lowering springs or shocks and struts. But it ultimately depends on your vehicle and how you plan to use it. If you’re looking for something that’s going to give you a really tight ride without too much hassle, then coilovers are probably the way to go.
If you’re just looking for an upgrade that will make your car handle better without too much tinkering, then stiffer shocks and springs may be a better option. Or if you want something that’s going to be more forgiving on the wallet, coilovers may not be the best choice.
Additionally, Leaf springs are an older technology that can be quite harsh on the body, whereas coilovers offer a much smoother ride. They also provide better handling and stability, which is why they are becoming increasingly popular among performance enthusiasts.
Leaf springs are a good option if you’re looking for something that is simple and easy to maintain, but they don’t offer as much flexibility or adjustability as coilovers. For example, coilovers can be adjusted to raise or lower your car, while leaf springs cannot. This makes them a better option if you want to be able to change the height of your car or if you frequently drive on different types of terrain.
Pros Of Coilovers
There are many benefits of coilovers, which is why they are a popular choice for enthusiasts and racers alike. Some of the key benefits include:
- Increased handling and control – Coilovers provide a much stiffer ride than stock shocks and springs, which means more control over the car when cornering, accelerating, or braking. This increased control can translate to improved lap times on the track or a more stable feel when driving on the street.
- Adjustability – Coilovers allow you to adjust the height of your car, as well as the stiffness of the suspension. This means you can dial in your car’s handling to match your personal driving preferences or change conditions (such as adding winter tires).
- Improved appearance – Coilovers can give your car a much lower, sportier look, which can be great for show cars or those who want to stand out from the crowd.
- Improved safety – A car that handles better is less likely to spin out or flip in dangerous situations.
- Customization – Coilovers offer a level of customization that’s hard to find with other suspension options. You can choose from a variety of colors, materials, and finishes to get the exact look and feel you want for your vehicle.
- Durability – Coilovers offer a high level of durability due to the fact that they are made with strong materials and can be easily customized to fit the specific needs of your car.
Cons Of Coilovers
There are a few downsides to coilovers that you should be aware of before making your purchase.
- Increased noise and vibration – since coilovers suspension dampers are no longer hidden inside the body of the car, they create more road noise and vibration, especially when driving on rough roads or potholes.
- They can be more dangerous – if not installed or tuned properly, coilovers can make a car more dangerous to drive by causing it to become unstable at high speeds.
- Difficult to install – Coilovers are not as easy to install as traditional shocks and struts. You will likely need to take your car to a mechanic or suspension specialist to have them installed.
- They’re expensive – adjustable coilovers can be quite expensive, especially compared to traditional shocks and struts.
Is Coilover Worth Investing?
It depends on a variety of factors including your driving habits, the condition of your vehicle, and your budget.
That said, coilovers can be a great investment for those looking to improve their vehicle’s handling and performance. They provide a much tighter ride than stock shocks and struts, and they can help you adjust your car’s suspension to better match your driving style and preferences.
Coilovers can improve a car’s handling and appearance, but they can also be expensive. If you’re looking for a better driving experience or to show your car off at car shows, then coilovers are definitely worth the investment.
However, if you’re just looking for something that will make your car ride a bit smoother, then coilovers may not be the best option. In the end, it all comes down to what you want out of your car.
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