Coilovers Lower Your Car How They Compare to Springs

Wondering if coilovers will lower your car and how they stack up against lowering springs? You’re trying to find the best way to get the right stance and performance for your vehicle. This decision involves balancing cost, adjustability, and ride quality.

Yes, coilovers are one of the most effective ways to lower your car because they are specifically designed for ride height adjustment. A coilover suspension system [a suspension component combining a shock absorber and a spring in one unit] features a threaded shock body that allows you to precisely change your car’s height, unlike fixed lowering springs.

Based on an analysis of current industry specifications, this guide breaks down exactly how coilovers work to lower your car. You will discover the critical differences between coilovers and lowering springs, helping you decide which is the right choice for your performance goals and budget.

Key Facts

• Adjustability is Standard: The primary feature of coilovers is their height adjustability, with most kits offering a lowering range of 1 to 3 inches (25-75mm), as indicated by industry standard specifications.
• Performance-Oriented Design: Coilovers are engineered as a complete system, matching the spring rate to the shock’s damping, which typically improves handling more effectively than just replacing springs, according to performance testing data.
• Cost Difference is Significant: Industry analysis reveals that lowering springs are a budget-friendly option, generally costing between $200 and $500, while a full coilover kit is a larger investment, ranging from $500 to over $3000.
• Alignment is Mandatory: Lowering a car with coilovers alters its suspension geometry. Automotive experts universally agree that a wheel alignment is required afterward to prevent uneven tire wear and ensure safe handling.
• Ride Quality Trade-Off: While high-end coilovers offer damping adjustment to balance comfort, research shows that most coilover systems create a firmer, stiffer ride compared to OEM suspension to enhance handling and reduce body roll.

Do Coilovers Actually Lower Your Car?

Yes, coilovers are specifically designed to lower a car’s ride height. Their core feature is a threaded shock body paired with adjustable spring perches. This design gives you precise control over how much you lower your vehicle, making them a popular choice for achieving a specific stance and improving handling. Most aftermarket coilover kits allow for a lowering range between 1 and 3 inches (25-75mm) compared to the stock suspension.

Unlike simply cutting springs or installing fixed lowering springs, a coilover system is an integrated solution. The “coil-over-shock” design means the spring and shock absorber are engineered to work together. The lowering mechanism is built directly into this system.

Here is how it works:
* Threaded Shock Body: The outside of the shock absorber is threaded like a bolt.
* Adjustable Spring Perch & Locking Collars: The coil spring sits on a perch that threads onto the shock body. By turning this perch up or down, you change the position of the spring, which in turn adjusts the ride height. Locking collars are used to secure the perch in place once the desired height is set.
* Integrated System: Because the spring and shock are a matched set, you get a more predictable and controlled suspension movement, even at a lower height.

This adjustability is the fundamental advantage of a coilover suspension over a vehicle’s original OEM suspension or simple lowering springs. It allows you to fine-tune the car’s height to get the perfect wheel fitment and ground clearance.

What Are The Key Differences Between Coilovers and Lowering Springs?

The primary difference is that coilovers are a complete, adjustable suspension system, while lowering springs are just one component with a fixed height. Coilovers [integrated shock and spring units] let you fine-tune both ride height and often damping for a fully custom setup. Lowering springs offer a pre-set, non-adjustable drop. They are a more budget-friendly option but provide less performance tuning and customization.

From years of working with different suspension setups, the choice often comes down to your budget versus your performance goals. For users seeking the maximum control over both looks and handling, coilovers are the superior technical solution. For those seeking an affordable aesthetic drop, lowering springs can suffice, but with compromises.

Feature/Aspect	Coilovers	Lowering Springs
Ride Height Adjustment	Fully Adjustable (typically 1-3 inches)	Fixed, Non-Adjustable Drop
Damping Adjustment	Often included (rebound/compression)	Not available (relies on stock/aftermarket shocks)
Performance & Handling	Superior; tuned as a complete system	Moderate improvement; can mismatch with OEM shocks
Installation Complexity	More complex; requires full suspension removal	Simpler; replaces springs only
Cost	Higher initial cost ($500 – $3000+)	Lower initial cost ($200 – $500)
Ride Quality	Varies from firm to stiff; can be tuned	Often stiffer than stock; can be harsh with OEM shocks
Longevity	Designed as a matched set	Can cause premature wear on OEM shocks/struts

What Are The Pros and Cons of Coilovers?

✅ Pros

• Complete Adjustability: You have full control over the ride height, allowing you to achieve the perfect stance and wheel fitment. Many kits, like those from BC Racing or KW, also offer damping adjustment to fine-tune ride comfort and handling response.
• Superior Handling Performance: Because the spring and shock are engineered as a matched system, coilovers significantly reduce body roll, improve cornering stability, and provide more responsive handling.
• Aesthetic Enhancement: Coilovers give you the ability to eliminate unattractive wheel gap for a more aggressive and purposeful look.

❌ Cons

• Higher Cost: A quality coilover kit is a significant investment compared to lowering springs.
• Potentially Stiff Ride: Many entry-level or track-focused coilovers can feel harsh for daily driving on imperfect roads. While higher-end kits have adjustments to mitigate this, a firmer ride is a common characteristic.
• Complex Installation: Installing coilovers is more involved than just swapping springs and often requires specialized tools and knowledge. Professional installation is recommended for beginners.

What Are The Pros and Cons of Lowering Springs?

✅ Pros

• Low Cost: Lowering springs are the most affordable way to lower your car’s ride height, making them a popular entry-level modification.
• Simple Installation: The installation process is relatively straightforward, as it only involves replacing the factory springs. This can often be done with basic hand tools and a spring compressor.
• Improved Appearance: They provide a fixed drop, commonly around 1.5 inches, which effectively reduces wheel gap and gives the car a sportier stance.

❌ Cons

• No Adjustability: You get a fixed, one-size-fits-all drop. If you don’t like the height or it causes tire rubbing, you have no way to change it.
• Premature Shock Wear: This is the biggest drawback. The stock shock is not valved for the higher spring rate and reduced travel of a lowering spring. This mismatch can lead to a bouncy, uncontrolled ride and cause the OEM shocks to wear out and fail much faster.
• Potential for “Bottoming Out”: Because the shock isn’t matched to the spring, the suspension can run out of travel over large bumps, leading to a harsh impact as it bottoms out.

How Do You Lower a Car with Coilovers?

Adjusting the height on coilovers is a straightforward process, but it requires precision and a strong emphasis on safety. Real-world experience shows that taking your time and using the right tools is critical to avoiding damage to the components or yourself. Professional installation is always recommended if you are not comfortable working on suspension components.

Safety First: Preparation is Key

Before you begin, your safety is the top priority.
* Park the car on a flat, level surface.
* Engage the parking brake and place wheel chocks behind the wheels that will remain on the ground.
* Use a hydraulic jack to lift the corner of the vehicle you are working on, and securely place a jack stand under a strong point of the vehicle’s frame.
* NEVER work on a car supported only by a jack.

Step-by-Step Adjustment Guide

1. Lift the Vehicle and Remove the Wheel: Once the car is safely supported on jack stands, remove the wheel to gain clear access to the coilover assembly.

2. Clean the Threads: Use a wire brush and some penetrating oil to clean any dirt or debris from the threaded body of the coilover. This will make adjustments much easier and prevent the collars from seizing.

3. Loosen the Locking Collars: Most coilover kits come with two or more spanner wrenches. Use them to unlock the lower locking collar(s). You will typically use one wrench to hold an upper collar in place while using the other to turn the lowest collar counter-clockwise (down) to loosen it.

4. Adjust the Ride Height: With the locking collar loose, you can now adjust the height. On most modern coilovers, you adjust height by turning the entire lower shock body. Turning it clockwise (up into the upper mount) will lower the car. Turning it counter-clockwise (down away from the upper mount) will raise the car. Measure the threads to ensure you are making equal adjustments on both sides of the car.

5. Tighten the Locking Collars: Once you have set your desired height, use the spanner wrenches to tighten the locking collar firmly against the spring perch or upper collar. This is crucial to prevent the height from changing while you drive.

6. Reinstall Wheel and Lower Vehicle: Put the wheel back on, tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s torque specs, and carefully lower the vehicle off the jack stand.

7. Settle and Measure: Roll the car back and forth a few feet to let the suspension settle. Now, measure the ride height from the center of the wheel to the fender lip. Repeat the process for the other side, ensuring both sides are at an equal height.

8. Post-Adjustment Essential: Get an Alignment: After you have set your final ride height, you must get a professional wheel alignment. Lowering the car changes the suspension geometry, and failing to correct it will cause poor handling and rapid tire wear.

What Are The Main Benefits of Using Coilovers for Lowering?

Beyond simply lowering your car, coilovers offer significant functional advantages that justify their cost. The benefits primarily revolve around improved vehicle dynamics, aesthetic control, and the ability to fine-tune your suspension for your specific needs.

• 🏁 Improved Handling and Cornering
  Lowering the car’s center of gravity with coilovers is the key to better handling. From a physics perspective, this reduces weight transfer during cornering. The result is less body roll—the leaning motion you feel in a turn—which keeps the car flatter and more stable. This increased lateral grip allows for higher cornering speeds and more driver confidence.

• 🔧 Full Stance and Fitment Customization
  Coilovers provide complete control over your vehicle’s stance. This precise height adjustment is critical for enthusiasts who want to achieve perfect wheel fitment, eliminating the gap between the tire and the fender for a clean, aggressive look. You can dial in the height to the millimeter to accommodate different wheel sizes and tire profiles without rubbing.

• 🎯 Tunable Ride Quality and Performance
  Many coilover kits feature adjustable damping. This allows you to change how the shock absorber responds to bumps and road imperfections. You can set the damping softer for comfortable daily driving or firm it up for a track day or spirited driving on a smooth road. This versatility means you don’t have to choose between comfort and performance—you can have both.

• 🧱 Matched Components for Optimal Function
  Unlike just adding lowering springs to factory shocks, a coilover is a fully integrated system. The spring rate and the shock’s damping characteristics are engineered to work together in harmony. This prevents the bouncy, under-damped ride that can occur with mismatched components and ensures the suspension operates within its intended parameters for better performance and longevity.

FAQs About do coilovers lower your car

Do coilovers need an alignment?

Yes, a wheel alignment is absolutely necessary after installing coilovers or making any significant height adjustments. Lowering the car changes the suspension geometry, including camber, toe, and caster. Failing to get an alignment will result in poor handling, unpredictable steering, and rapid, uneven tire wear.

Are coiloovers good for daily driving?

They can be, but it depends on the quality of the kit and the settings. High-quality coilovers with adjustable damping can be set to a softer level for a ride that is comfortable enough for daily driving. However, budget or track-focused coilovers are often very stiff and can provide a harsh or bumpy ride on public roads.

Do coilovers make your ride smoother?

Generally, no. Most coilovers will make the ride firmer or stiffer than OEM suspension. Their purpose is to improve handling performance, which requires stiffer spring rates and more aggressive damping. While high-end kits can be adjusted for more comfort, their primary design goal is not a smoother ride.

How much do coilovers lower your car?

Most aftermarket coilover kits allow you to lower your car by 1 to 3 inches (about 25mm to 75mm) from the stock ride height. Some specialized kits for “stance” or track use may offer a more extreme drop, but this is a typical range for most street performance coilovers.

Can coilovers raise your car?

Yes, many coilover kits can raise the car back to stock height or even slightly above it. The wide range of adjustment on the threaded body allows you to set the height anywhere between its maximum and minimum limits, providing flexibility to go higher or lower than stock.

How long do coilovers last?

The lifespan of coilovers is typically between 50,000 and 100,000 miles, but it varies greatly depending on quality, driving conditions, and climate. High-quality coilovers made with corrosion-resistant materials will last much longer than budget options, especially in areas with harsh winters and salted roads.

Do you have to lower your car with coilovers?

No, you do not have to lower your car. While lowering is their most common use, the adjustability means you can set them at or even slightly above the original factory ride height if you wish. This is useful for users who want the performance benefits without the lowered stance.

What is coilover preload and does it affect ride height?

Preload is the amount of compression on the spring before the car’s weight is on it; it does not and should not be used to adjust ride height on most modern coilovers. Preload is set to keep the spring seated and to adjust the suspension’s response to bumps. Ride height should only be adjusted by moving the lower mount on the threaded shock body.

Are cheap coilovers bad for your car?

Cheap coilovers can be detrimental, often providing an extremely harsh ride, poor handling, and a short lifespan. They may use low-quality materials that can corrode, leak, or fail unexpectedly. It’s generally better to use quality lowering springs than to install a low-grade, budget coilover kit.

Do coilovers make noise?

Coilovers can sometimes make more noise than OEM suspension, such as squeaking, clunking, or popping sounds. This can be due to the use of metal pillow ball mounts instead of rubber bushings, springs settling, or incorrect installation. While some noise can be normal, excessive noise may indicate a problem.

Key Takeaways: Lowering Your Car with Coilovers

Here is a summary of the most important points to remember when considering coilovers for your vehicle.

• Adjustability is Key: The primary reason to choose coilovers is for their ability to precisely adjust ride height and, on many kits, damping. This offers far more control than static lowering springs.
• Coilovers vs. Springs is a Trade-Off: Coilovers offer superior performance and adjustability but at a higher cost and complexity. Lowering springs are a budget-friendly way to lower your car but offer no adjustability and can prematurely wear out factory shocks.
• Performance and Aesthetics: Coilovers lower your car’s center of gravity to improve handling, reduce body roll, and allow for a customized “stance” for better wheel fitment.
• Installation Requires Safety and Precision: Lowering a car with coilovers requires proper safety procedures, including using jack stands. The process involves adjusting the threaded collars on the shock body.
• Alignment is Not Optional: After installing coilovers or changing ride height, a professional wheel alignment is mandatory to ensure proper handling, safety, and to prevent severe tire wear.
• Ride Quality is Firmer: Expect a stiffer, more connected-to-the-road feel with coilovers. While high-end kits can be adjusted for comfort, they are fundamentally a performance-oriented upgrade.

Final Thoughts on Lowering Your Car with Coilovers

Choosing to lower your car is about more than just looks; it’s about tailoring the vehicle’s performance and feel to your exact preferences. Coilovers stand out as the definitive solution for drivers who demand control. They not only lower your car but also provide a platform for tuning your handling dynamics.

The decision between coilovers and lowering springs comes down to your priorities. If your primary goal is maximum adjustability, improved handling, and a precisely tuned stance, investing in a quality coilover kit is the right move. If you are working with a tight budget and simply want an aesthetic drop, lowering springs can work, but be aware of the compromises in ride quality and shock longevity.

Ultimately, by choosing high-quality components and ensuring proper, professional installation, you can safely achieve the performance and stance you’re looking for.

Last update on 2026-02-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API