Coilovers are suspensions that are used in vehicles. Coilover is derived from the phrase “Coil over Shock.” Coilover is a suspension that combines a shock absorber and a coil spring that helps in preventing the car from bottoming. The coil or spring around the Coilover gives the shock absorber ability to adjust the height. They help mitigate the body as you drive, thus providing a stiffer ride.
Pros of Coilovers
Here are the advantages of having coilovers in your car:
1. Adjustability. Modern Coilovers are adjustable, and thus drivers can easily set the height they want. This factor allows users to enjoy the low ride or high ride. The ability to set the height of suspensions allows drivers to customize the coilovers depending on the nature of the road and other factors. In the case of off-road, the driver can easily adjust the suspension and set the suspension high. On the other hand, if you want a “low ride”, you can adjust the suspension. Additionally, when driving, the coilovers automatically adjust. This helps prevent the car from bottoming.
2. Handling. The adjustability ability of coilovers makes their handling better. The coil spring allows compression and decompression of the Coilover without having to do so manually. Additionally, you do not have to purchase new coilovers every time you to coilovers of a specific height.
3. Lowering centre of gravity. Lowering the centre of gravity of a vehicle is one of the measures to make your car more stable and increase the speed of the racing car. The lower the centre of gravity of your car, the higher the racing speed. Coilovers allow the drivers to lower the Center of gravity by adjusting them. In addition, if you want your car to turn corners at a higher speed, you will have to adjust the coilovers.
4. Easy to install. Unlike other parts of the vehicle, installing coilovers is like a walk in the park for skilled personnel like mechanics. Firstly, raise your car and remove the wheel next to the suspension you want to change or remove. Then, get rid of the old coil springs and struts. Assemble and install the Coilovers following the manufacturer’s instructions. Finally, adjust the Coilover to fit your desires.
5. Shock absorber. Coilovers give your car a smooth ride and support at the same time. Coilover is composed of shock absorbers and coil springs. The shock absorber helps absorb the shocks while driving, thus giving a comfortable drive. Secondly, the ability to adjust the coilovers helps regulate or adjust the shock’s intensity.
6. Variety of adjustments. Unlike shock absorbers with fixed height, you can easily adjust the height of coilovers. Coilovers allow the driver the set the height of their choice. Therefore, the driver can easily adjust the height depending on the quality of the road.
7. Offer a comfortable ride. Coilovers are fitted with shock absorbers that allow the vehicle to absorb any shock. In addition, the driver can customize them to fit the condition of the road.
8. Variety sizes of coilovers. Coilovers come in different sizes. There are diverse car models which have different suspension spaces. The availability of different coilovers allows drivers to choose the Coilover that fits their cars.
Cons of Coilovers
Here are the disadvantages associated with coilovers:
1. Coilovers are Expensive. The initial purchase cost is high than the cost of the shock absorbers. The better the quality of the Coilovers, the more expensive it is. Because of this, people buy cheaper coilovers, which compromises the safety and lifespan of the coilovers. Some problems associated with low-quality Coilovers include leaking, clunking, uncomfortable ride and squeaking.
2. Increased risks. While purchasing the coilovers, one needs to examine the quality and the material of the coilover keenly. Bad quality Coilovers are more likely to fail, increasing the risk of failing and accidents. Secondly, the cheaper coilovers, the bad quality. Therefore, when purchasing the coilovers, you need to check the quality and the durability of the Coilover material.
3. Installation complications. The installation process is like a walk in the park for skilled personnel like mechanics. However, not all drivers are skilled in installing and setting the coilovers. Therefore, they have to incur costs every time they install coilovers in their vehicles. In case the Coilover is wrongly installed, the component’s lifespan is reduced, and the chances of risks are increased.
4. Space hogging. There is limited space under the car, and thus the size of the Coilover used should be satisfying. Sometimes, the coilovers eat up the available space and come into contact with other parts of the vehicle. This causes chewing and scrubbing of the sidewalls while driving. Therefore, the driver must choose a Coilover that fits in the provided space.
5. Not permanent. Coilovers are a liability to the car, as they do not last forever. These suspensions are prone to breakage and add other risks. This increases the cost of maintaining the car, as you must repair and replace them now and then.
6. Uncomfortable ride. Coilovers lead to a stiff ride, which results in an uncomfortable ride. Poor quality or coilovers that are not properly installed are mostly likely to cause an uncomfortable ride. Other causes of the stiff ride include low and cheap coilovers and poor springing patterns.
7. Bad quality coilovers. In recent years, we have witnessed the rise of several companies that are producing coilovers. Due to stiff competition, most of these companies produce bad and low-quality coilovers, which increase drivers’ risk. On the other side, the drivers and other people cannot differentiate the qualities of these coilovers. Therefore, they end up purchasing the ones whose quality is bad.
8. High chances of scraping bump. The coilovers have adjustable options allowing drivers to raise or lower the car. In most cases, people tend to lower the car to enjoy the benefits of a low Center of gravity. Lower vehicles are likely to scrap when going over a big bump on the road.
