- Low suspension cars offer better and grounded car grip, stability, and excellent drifting experience.
- Lowering suspension is possible for every car, but not every car is compatible.
- Lower your suspension for a more dynamic driving experience and control over the car with good infrastructure conditions.
- Before lowering the suspension, consult an expert and the insurance policy, or you may end up without a car and coverage.
Many car enthusiasts wonder, β Does lowering a car make it faster? β The answer is yes, but it is a bit more complex than it looks. Lower suspension is a popular car customization offering more stability and control during sharp maneuvers and more aerodynamics. Car lowering minimizes the air track beneath the car and road.
However, lowering suspension also means less comfort on bumpy roads, rubbing of tire parts, or the possibility of bottoming out if done wrong. Those planning to lower the suspension or buy a low-suspension car should consider some key notes.
Pros and Cons of Lowering Your Vehicle’s Suspension
Low-suspension cars have that car aesthetic everybody falls for, but in terms of comfort and effectiveness, the results may not be that appealing. Experts say that even a 2-inch lowering can be problematic in situations of speed bumps, potholes, or other road depressions. Let’s see some of the major concerns and advantages of car lowering.
Pros
- More control over ride: Reducing air drift allows more control when driving fast, taking turns, and overall maneuvering.
- More Aerodynamics: Less wind below the car also means less dragging from the car.
- Reduced Rollover risk: A lower car has a lower chance of rollover than regular cars.
- Excellent for Drifting: Minimizing the wind below the car creates a vacuum for stability.
- Stiffer ride: Tighten front and back springs with more rigid springs to minimize the risk of bottoming out in case of a bumpy road.
Cons
- Uneven Tire Wear: Low suspension means putting more pressure on the tires, leading to uneven tire wear.
- Lifting and towing Issues: Use manual jacks to raise a vehicle for a regular car service or towing/lifting. There is little access to see if anything is leaking below.
- Likely to bottom out: Hitting the pavement when driving over the lip of a parking garage or a ramp may cause further damage to the components underneath the car.
Factors to Consider Before Lowering Your Suspension
After understanding the drawbacks of the car overall, two crucial factors must be considered before car lowering.
Compatibility of Lower Suspension with Your Vehicle Model
Lower suspension makes your vehicle look more appealing and comfy for fast lanes, but not all cars are compatible with lowering. Some mechanics will say it’s doable for all cars (because it is) and easy to maintain, while experts in car modifications will provide a straightforward answer as to whether you should do it.
Lower suspension incompatibility can result in dangerous consequences that can affect the anti-lock brake apparatus, sidewalls of the tires, sway bars, etc. An incorrectly lowered suspension system may chew on tires and lead to a fatal accident.
Ultimately, the worst-case scenario is the risk of bottoming out. Sometimes, an inch can be an issue, especially if you plan on driving your lowered suspension car on a bumpy road. Over time, components beneath the car will suffer damage, leading to other defects and service expenses.
To avoid losing or damaging the car, unnecessary expenses, and costly services β always consult an expert before you act on your hand.
The Impact on Warranty and Insurance Coverage
Insurance for road safety is imperative and crucial for all car owners. Accidents may happen when we least expect it. Certain car modifications may come in conflict with the insurance policy and result in not receiving any damage coverage. Car insurance policies avoid risky customers and may exclude cars with modifications that increase the potential risk of accidents.
Before you make any changes to your car, consult with your insurer. The usual exclusions found on the insurance list are:
- boost controllers
- internal engine modifications
- Superchargers
- fuel modifications
- lowered suspension
Lowering suspension may also conflict with your warranty. Before making any changes to the vehicle, reread your manual and the warranty terms and conditions. Consult the manufacturer for your lower car plan and follow their advice. If the modification conflicts with your warranty, don’t do it.
Are There Safety Concerns with Lower Suspension?
Any car modification, including lowered suspension, affects the car’s stability and overall safety. Some common safety concerns are related to the following:
- car alignment
- handling the ride
- rubbing issues
- stress on suspension components
- uneven tire wear
Driving a car with some of these issues may lead to a fatal accident or severe car damage. Therefore, a proper installation is imperative.
How Proper Installation and Maintenance Ensure Safety
The importance of using a professional mechanic with abundant knowledge in lowering suspension cannot be stressed enough. They will inform you more about lowered suspensions and the maintenance routine.
Proper installation of a high-performance suspension requires slightly lowering the car, although it looks as if it was lowered a few inches. Itβs easy to miss, and the results of overdoing it are difficult and super expensive to fix. Missing the mark for the suspension affects struts and springs that keep your car aligned and may result in loss of balance and an undrivable car.
Speaking of balance, many people could cut corners when it comes to shocks or struts. However, by modifying your car, you risk the balance of your vehicle and the entire car system. If you plan on upgrading the tires, consider the steering and drivetrain consequences of the modification.
How to Maintain Your Lowered Suspension
Lowered suspension cars require regular car services and daily routine habits for maintaining the car in good condition.
Routine Maintenance Practices to Preserve the Performance of Lowered Suspensions
Tires are the initial routine maintenance item because of their direct connection to the ground. To prevent tire damage, keep the tires inflated as per the manufacturer’s recommended PSI level you can find on a sticker in the door jambs.
Tread depth is another item to keep in mind. Check if the tread depth is in line because uneven wear may suggest bigger or more serious issues with your suspension system or that your car needs wheel alignment. Driving an unaligned vehicle exposes you to reduced control over the car and possible accidents. Consult your mechanic for professional advice on the exact tread depth for your car.
Addressing Potential Issues and Signs of Wear
Some of the most common signs of wear your car may show and point to the need for service or replacement include the following:
- Bumpier ride than usual
- Uneven and worn-off tires
- Decentralization, moving back and forth while steering
- Struts and shocks leaking oil
- Bouncing during brake
- The car feels lower than usual (dangerous because it may lead to bottoming out)
If you sense any of these signs, consult with a trusted mechanic immediately and take your car for a repair.
Take your car for service or a routine checkup and inspect it every two weeks. Tires are the main focus after you lower the suspension. Rotate the tires every six months, or after making 5,000-8,000 miles, to align your car, maintain an even tread on all of them, and create less stress on other car components.
Conclusion
Does lowering your car make it faster? Yes. Lowering your suspension means reducing the air between the car and the road to improve the aerodynamics. The less air there is, the faster the car.
Lowered suspension allows more control with the overall maneuvering, feeling the road better, and having an improved drifting experience. However, not all cars are compatible with low suspension. Be sure to consult an expert and an insurer before making modifications to avoid losing the car insurance and warranty.
FAQs
What does lower suspension mean?
Lower suspension means lowering your car to the ground for more stability during turns, swift maneuverings, and overall drifting. This modification reduces the air drifting below the car and creates more aerodynamics.
Is lowered suspension good?
Lowered suspension i s good only for particular car models. You may severely damage your car and expose yourself to unnecessary expenses if you do it on your own. Make sure to consult an expert before making modifications.
Why would you lower the suspension?
Common reasons for lowering the suspension are more control while drifting, faster cars, and the overall aesthetic of a sports car effect.
Which type of suspension is good?
Air suspension is one of the best car suspensions that is used for luxury cars.
Does suspension affect driving?
Yes. It affects your grip, speed, and overall driving experience.
