The benefits (and drawbacks) of lowering a car
Lowering a car can improve its performance and give it a more aggressive and sporty appearance. There are several options available for lowering a car, each with its own benefits and drawbacks.
Coilovers are a popular choice for lowering a car because they allow for precise adjustment of the car's ride height and suspension stiffness. They consist of a coil spring and a shock absorber that are combined into a single unit. The spring rate of the coilover can be adjusted to fine-tune the handling of the car, and the ride height can be adjusted by screwing the spring perch up or down on the shock absorber body.
Lowering springs are another option for lowering a car. They are a simpler and more economical choice than coilovers, but they do not offer as much adjustability. Lowering springs are designed to replace the factory springs in a car and lower the ride height by a fixed amount. They do not allow for fine-tuning of the suspension stiffness or ride height.
Air ride kits are a more advanced option for lowering a car. They use air springs and a compressor to adjust the ride height of the car on the fly. Air ride kits allow for a wide range of adjustability, from very low to very high ride heights. They are often used in combination with coilovers or lowering springs to fine-tune the suspension setup of a car.
When considering which option to use for lowering a car, it's important to consider the intended use of the car. For a car that will be used primarily for show or for cruising, a simple set of lowering springs may be sufficient. For a car that will be driven aggressively or used for track days, a set of coilovers or an air ride kit may be a better choice.
It's also important to consider the potential drawbacks of lowering a car. Lowering a car improperly can affect the car's handling and ride comfort, as well as its ground clearance. It can also increase the risk of bottoming out or scraping the underside of the car on uneven roads or driveways. In addition, lowering a car can cause clearance issues with certain components, such as the exhaust or suspension components. Luckily, there are solutions to help avoid these issues such as the ability to raise your car at the flip of a switch.
In conclusion, there are several options available for lowering a car, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. It's important to consider the intended use of the car and the potential drawbacks before deciding which option is the best choice.
