Car Coilovers: Functions, Advantages, and Proper Installation
26 October, 2023
Shock absorbers or dampers are crucial components of a car that contribute significantly to the comfort of driving. It’s not uncommon for vehicle owners seeking enhanced comfort to modify this part by replacing or customizing it using coilovers.
While it’s not mandatory to replace them, compared to the car’s stock shock absorbers, coilovers are said to have more advantages in enhancing driving comfort. The use of coilovers can make the car more comfortable when navigating through uneven and bumpy roads.
Beyond comfort, coilovers also boast a stylish appearance in terms of color and design, adding a cool factor to the vehicle. It’s no wonder that automotive enthusiasts who enjoy customizing their cars opt to replace the standard shock absorbers with coilovers.
Unlike regular shock absorbers, which may struggle to easily adjust their height levels, car coilovers can be easily adjusted for height. Changing these settings can significantly alter the appearance of the car. In the realm of automotive modification, coilovers offer a versatile solution, not just for improving comfort but also for enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle.
What is a Car Coilover?
A car coilover, also known as a coil spring over shock, is a type of suspension component that integrates with the front shock absorbers of a car. Its structure resembles a coil that is integrated with the front shock absorber, much like the shock absorber on a motorcycle.
This component can be installed on nearly all types of cars with the aim of maintaining surface contact with the road. Additionally, the coilover’s height can be easily adjusted according to specific needs.
The height adjustment of this coilover is gas-charged, allowing for easy customization based on the road conditions to be traversed. This enables car owners to experience the stiffness and smoothness of the shock absorber as needed.
The adjustment process can be learned through the instructions provided in the packaging. Typically, the settings to modify the height and stiffness levels can be adjusted by rotating the settings on the upper part of the coilover.
Car enthusiasts often use coilovers to modify their vehicles, enhancing their appearance and setting them apart from ordinary cars. Moreover, the coilover’s several advantages over regular shock absorbers contribute to its increasing popularity.
The Role of Car Coilovers
The primary function of these car coilovers is to serve as a replacement for the factory-installed shock absorbers. Functioning similarly to conventional shock absorbers, these coilovers ensure surface contact with the road.
However, due to their numerous advantages over regular shock absorbers, coilovers have become the top choice for automotive enthusiasts seeking to enhance both the comfort and appearance of their vehicles.
Beyond providing comfort, coilovers also serve the purpose of enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the car. With a stylish appearance and adjustable height, coilovers offer more than just a functional upgrade; they contribute to the overall visual enhancement of the vehicle.
Advantages of Car Coilovers
Utilizing car coilovers comes with several advantages when compared to using factory-installed shock absorbers. Some of these advantages include:
- Ease of Height Adjustment: Adjusting the vehicle’s height with coilovers is more convenient than using regular shock absorbers.
- Customizable Damping Levels: Coilovers offer the flexibility to adjust the damping levels for shock absorption, allowing users to tailor it according to their needs.
- Enhanced Vehicle Performance: Coilovers contribute to improved overall vehicle performance, especially in terms of stability during turns. The response while driving at high speeds also becomes more efficient.
- Increased Flexibility in Movement: The car’s movement becomes more flexible as coilovers can be adjusted for height and spring stiffness, allowing adaptation to various road surfaces.
- Stylish Appearance: Coilovers provide a more appealing visual aesthetic compared to regular shock absorbers. Many individuals enjoy modifying their appearance, opting for a lowered chassis. A car with lower ground clearance is not only visually captivating but also excels in handling.
Shortcomings of Car Coilovers
In addition to the aforementioned advantages, car coilovers also come with some drawbacks that you should be aware of. These shortcomings are quite common and can be addressed through regular and relatively simple maintenance.
When using coilovers and adjusting them to a lower setting, there is a significant possibility that they might be exposed to water, dust, and dirt from the road. This, of course, can impact their performance and shorten their lifespan.
Therefore, for those who set their coilovers to a lower position, it is crucial to consistently clean them from dust and dirt that may adhere to these components. This is especially important during the rainy season. Keeping these components free from water and dust ensures a longer lifespan and optimal functionality.
How to Install Coilovers on a Car
The installation of coilovers is relatively straightforward and can be done independently, provided you have the necessary tools. You will need some equipment to loosen the bolts on the wheels and the car’s shock absorbers.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to installing coilovers on your own at home:
- Prepare the necessary tools, such as a car jack to lift the vehicle and wrenches, socket wrenches, screwdrivers, and pliers to remove various bolts on the wheels and shock absorbers.
- Lift the car using the car jack, taking care to lift it precisely.
- Remove the old shock absorber using a wrench and socket wrench, then inspect its condition.
- Install the new coilover following the manufacturer’s recommended installation instructions (found on the product packaging). Ensure that you tighten the bolts correctly and precisely.
- Lower the car and adjust the vehicle’s height by setting its elevation. Try to adjust the vehicle’s height evenly on all sides for balance.
