Lowering your car involves adjusting its suspension system to reduce its ride height. This modification can enhance both its appearance and performance.
However, before proceeding, it’s important to understand the implications. Several factors must be considered, from potential mechanical issues to cost considerations.
Table of Contents
What are Things To Consider Before Lowering Your Car
Lowering your car involves adjusting its suspension system to reduce the ride height. This modification can enhance both its appearance and performance.
However, before proceeding, it’s important to understand the implications. Several factors must be considered, from potential mechanical issues to cost considerations.
Purpose of Lowering (Aesthetic vs. Performance)
First, you need to identify why you want to lower your car. For many, the primary reason is aesthetics. A lowered vehicle often looks sleeker and more aggressive.
On the other hand, some drivers lower their cars to improve performance. A lower center of gravity can enhance handling and stability, especially during high-speed driving. Knowing your purpose will help guide your decisions.
Bottoming Out Issues
A significant concern with a lowered suspension is the increased risk of scraping or bottoming out. When your vehicle is closer to the ground, it becomes more susceptible to hitting speed bumps, potholes, and uneven road surfaces.
This can cause damage to the undercarriage, including the exhaust system and suspension components. It’s crucial to be mindful of this when driving on rough roads.
Speed Bumps
Speed bumps and road bumps pose a challenge for lowered vehicles. Navigating these obstacles requires extra caution to avoid damaging the car’s suspension.
A lowered car must approach bumps at an angle and a slower speed. This can be inconvenient and requires constant vigilance. If your daily commute involves a lot of speed bumps or uneven roads, this is an important consideration.
Ride Quality
Lowering your car can affect ride quality. A stiffer suspension, often necessary to prevent bottoming out, can result in a harsher ride. You may feel every bump and crack in the road more intensely.
This trade-off between improved handling and comfort is something to weigh carefully. Lowering your car might not be the best choice if you value a smooth, comfortable ride.
Cost
Lowering your car is not a cheap modification. The costs can increase quickly, from purchasing the necessary parts to professional installation.
Additionally, you may incur further expenses for realignment and potential repairs to the suspension system. Be sure to budget not only for the initial modification but also for ongoing maintenance.
Alignment and Suspension Geometry
As you get your car at lower suspension, its geometry changes. This affects the alignment and, if not corrected, can lead to uneven tire wear.
Proper alignment is essential to maintaining handling characteristics and ensuring even tire wear. Frequent alignments and potential tire replacements cost additional money. Therefore, regular checks of your vehicle’s suspension and alignment are critical.
Lowering your car offers several benefits that appeal to both performance enthusiasts and those seeking an enhanced appearance. Here are some key advantages:
Improved Handling and Stability: Lowering a car can improve its stability, especially during cornering, by reducing body roll. A lower center of gravity helps the car hug the road better, providing a more responsive and controlled driving experience.
Enhanced Appearance and Style: A lowered vehicle often looks sleeker and sportier. This modification can give your car a more aggressive stance, which many car enthusiasts find appealing.
Potential Increase in Speed and Performance: A lowered car can potentially increase its speed and overall performance by improving handling and reducing aerodynamic drag. The streamlined profile can cut through the air more efficiently, enhancing the car’s capabilities.
Types of Lowering Kits You Should Know
There are various types of lowering kits available, each offering different benefits and considerations. Here’s a look at the main options:
Lowering Springs: These offer a moderate drop in your vehicle’s ride height and improved handling. They are relatively affordable and easy to install but may require additional adjustments to the suspension system to maintain proper alignment.
Coilovers: Coilovers provide adjustable ride height and superior performance benefits. They allow for fine-tuning the car suspension, making them a favorite among performance enthusiasts. However, they are more expensive and require professional installation.
Air Suspension: This type of suspension allows for adjustable height at the push of a button. It balances comfort and aesthetics, making it ideal for those who want the best of both worlds. Air suspension systems are more complex and costly but provide unmatched flexibility.
Each option requires careful consideration of vehicle suspension geometry and alignment to ensure optimal performance and avoid issues like uneven tire wear. Additionally, modifications may be necessary for the rear suspension and leaf springs to maintain balance and proper handling.
Things to Keep in Mind
Before you lower your car, consider your driving habits and needs. Assess whether this modification suits your daily driving conditions. Weigh the pros and cons carefully. For example, if you have a rolled curb at the end of your driveway, there are different options to consider:
Pour in asphalt or concrete: This is a cheaper option, but concrete curbs tend to crumble and break apart easily, making for an unsightly result.
Do-it-yourself kits like Curb Ramp: Curb Ramp is a material you can mix and spread to fill any size or shape curb at your desired angle, creating a smooth transition between your driveway and the street.
Smooth Curb Ramp: This cost-effective solution offers excellent quality, heavy-duty, durable ramps that can outlast your car.
Understanding these considerations will help you make the best decision for your vehicle and driving needs. Lowering your car is a significant modification, and being prepared for the challenges and benefits will ensure you get the most out of it.
Final Thoughts
Lowering your car is a significant modification that requires careful consideration. Each factor is vital in determining whether it’s the right choice for you. By understanding the potential impacts, you can make an informed decision and enjoy the benefits while minimizing the downsides.
If you are considering lowering your car and don’t want to worry about damaging it when entering or exiting your driveway, consider using a Smooth Curb Ramp. It’s an easy and affordable option for homeowners with rolled curb driveway entrances.
