20 Pros And Cons Of Coilovers

Coilovers are a popular suspension upgrade for car enthusiasts and performance drivers alike, offering improved handling, better ride control, and enhanced adjustability. These suspension systems consist of a coil spring wrapped around a shock absorber, providing both support and damping in one unit. Unlike traditional suspension setups, coilovers offer greater customization, making them ideal for drivers looking to fine-tune their vehicle’s performance on the road or track.

Whether you’re a racing enthusiast seeking better handling or simply someone looking to improve the stance and ride quality of your car, coilovers can offer numerous benefits. However, like any aftermarket modification, coilovers also come with potential downsides that need to be carefully considered before making the investment.

In this in-depth article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of coilovers, providing 11 key advantages and 9 potential drawbacks. Whether you’re new to the world of coilovers or considering upgrading your vehicle’s suspension, this guide will help you make an informed decision based on the strengths and limitations of coilovers.

Pros Of Coilovers

1. Improved Handling And Cornering

One of the biggest advantages of coilovers is the significant improvement in handling and cornering performance. The stiffer springs and more responsive damping characteristics allow the vehicle to stay more planted during aggressive driving, especially around corners. This increased stability reduces body roll, making the car feel more connected to the road. For performance driving or track use, coilovers are an excellent choice to enhance a vehicle’s agility and precision.

2. Height Adjustability

Coilovers offer a high degree of height adjustability, allowing drivers to lower or raise their vehicle’s ride height according to their preferences. This feature is especially useful for those who want to achieve a more aggressive, lowered stance or for performance drivers who need to adjust ride height based on track conditions. The ability to fine-tune the height provides greater control over both the car’s aesthetics and performance characteristics.

3. Customizable Damping Settings

Many coilover systems come with adjustable damping settings, allowing users to control the stiffness or softness of the suspension. This adjustability provides flexibility, letting you switch between a more comfortable ride for daily driving and a firmer setup for performance applications. The ability to adjust damping also means that coilovers can be tailored to different driving environments, whether it’s a smooth track or a bumpy city street.

4. Enhanced Stance And Aesthetics

For car enthusiasts who value the visual appeal of their vehicle, coilovers offer the advantage of improving the car’s stance. Lowering the ride height can give the vehicle a more aggressive and sporty appearance, especially when combined with aftermarket wheels. The ability to customize the ride height means you can achieve the perfect stance that complements your car’s overall look.

5. Increased Suspension Precision

Coilovers provide greater precision in suspension tuning compared to traditional suspension setups. This precision allows for more fine-tuned adjustments in terms of ride height, damping, and rebound, which can significantly improve the vehicle’s performance in specific driving conditions. Whether you’re looking for better control on a racetrack or improved ride quality on rough terrain, coilovers give you the tools to make those adjustments.

6. Better Weight Distribution

Coilovers can improve weight distribution across the vehicle’s wheels, which is essential for optimizing performance and handling. By adjusting the height and damping of each individual coilover, you can ensure that the weight is evenly distributed, improving traction, braking performance, and overall stability. This can be particularly beneficial in racing applications where precise weight distribution is crucial for lap times.

7. Increased Suspension Travel

Certain coilover systems provide increased suspension travel compared to stock suspensions, which is advantageous for off-road or uneven road surfaces. With more travel, the suspension can better absorb bumps, dips, and other road imperfections, providing a smoother ride and better traction in challenging driving environments. This makes coilovers a versatile option for both on-road and off-road enthusiasts.

8. Reduced Body Roll

Coilovers help reduce body roll, especially during hard cornering. By keeping the car flatter through turns, coilovers improve stability and control, which is critical for performance driving. This reduction in body roll not only enhances handling but also boosts driver confidence, as the car feels more predictable and responsive to steering inputs.

9. Durability And Longevity

High-quality coilovers are built to withstand the rigors of performance driving and daily use, often lasting longer than stock suspension components. The materials used in coilover construction, such as aluminum or steel, are typically more robust than those found in factory suspensions, ensuring that they can handle higher loads and stresses without premature wear. This durability makes coilovers a long-lasting investment for those who drive aggressively or frequently take their vehicles to the track.

10. Track-Ready Performance

For those who regularly participate in track days or racing events, coilovers offer a significant performance advantage. The ability to adjust ride height, damping, and other suspension settings makes coilovers ideal for fine-tuning a vehicle’s performance for specific tracks or conditions. Many racing enthusiasts prefer coilovers because they allow for quicker and more precise adjustments between sessions, giving them an edge on the track.

11. Potential For Better Ride Quality

While some might associate coilovers with a harsh ride, many modern coilovers are designed to offer both performance and comfort. With adjustable damping settings, drivers can fine-tune the suspension to their comfort level, improving ride quality for daily driving. High-quality coilover systems often come with progressive springs, which provide a smoother ride on regular roads while maintaining stiffness during aggressive driving.

Cons Of Coilovers

1. Higher Cost

One of the primary drawbacks of coilovers is their higher cost compared to traditional suspension setups like springs and shocks. Quality coilovers are an investment, often costing significantly more than basic suspension upgrades. For those on a budget, the cost of coilovers may be a barrier to entry, especially when considering the additional expenses of professional installation and tuning.

2. Complex Installation Process

Installing coilovers is more complex than simply replacing springs or shocks. The process often requires specialized tools and knowledge, and improper installation can lead to poor performance or damage to the suspension system. Many drivers opt for professional installation, which adds to the overall cost of the upgrade. Additionally, setting the ride height and adjusting the damping settings can be time-consuming and requires expertise.

3. Potential For A Harsher Ride

While many coilovers offer adjustable damping for comfort, they can still provide a stiffer and harsher ride compared to stock suspensions. For those who use their vehicles primarily for daily driving, this stiffer ride can make the car less comfortable, especially on rough or uneven roads. Drivers should be prepared for the possibility of sacrificing some ride comfort in exchange for improved handling.

4. Regular Maintenance And Adjustment Required

Coilovers require regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance. Components like the shock absorbers and springs need to be checked periodically for wear and tear, and the ride height or damping settings may need to be adjusted depending on driving conditions. This level of maintenance can be more demanding compared to traditional suspensions, which are often set and forgotten.

5. Not Ideal For Extreme Weather Conditions

In regions with harsh weather conditions, such as heavy snow or extreme cold, coilovers may not perform as well as traditional suspensions. The exposed components of coilovers, such as the adjustable collars and springs, can be more susceptible to corrosion from road salt or water ingress. Drivers in extreme climates may need to take extra precautions to protect their coilovers from environmental damage.

6. Potential For Noise And Vibration

Coilovers can sometimes introduce unwanted noise and vibration, especially if the suspension is not properly tuned or installed. The stiffer springs and dampers can transmit more road noise into the cabin, which may be bothersome for drivers seeking a quieter ride. Additionally, improperly adjusted coilovers can cause rattling or squeaking noises, reducing overall driving comfort.

7. May Void Vehicle Warranty

For those with newer vehicles still under warranty, installing coilovers may void the suspension-related portion of the warranty. This is especially true if the coilovers are not approved by the vehicle manufacturer. Drivers should be aware of the potential implications on their warranty coverage before making the switch to coilovers, as it could lead to higher repair costs in the future.

8. Requires Knowledge For Proper Tuning

While coilovers offer a high degree of adjustability, this also means that they require more knowledge to set up properly. Fine-tuning the ride height, damping, and other settings to achieve the desired performance can be challenging, especially for those who are new to suspension tuning. Without the proper expertise, drivers may not be able to take full advantage of the benefits that coilovers offer.

9. Risk Of Lowering The Vehicle Too Much

One of the main attractions of coilovers is the ability to lower the vehicle for a more aggressive stance. However, lowering the car too much can lead to a variety of problems, such as reduced ground clearance, increased risk of bottoming out, and potential damage to the vehicle’s undercarriage. It can also negatively impact the car’s suspension geometry, leading to uneven tire wear or compromised handling.

Conclusion

Coilovers offer a range of benefits, particularly for performance enthusiasts looking to enhance handling, ride quality, and adjustability. The ability to fine-tune ride height, damping, and suspension characteristics makes coilovers a popular choice for both street and track applications. With improved cornering, reduced body roll, and the ability to achieve a perfect stance, coilovers provide a level of precision that traditional suspension setups cannot match.

However, coilovers also come with potential downsides that should not be overlooked. Higher costs, complex installation, regular maintenance, and the potential for a stiffer ride may deter some drivers, especially those using their vehicle primarily for daily commuting. Additionally, the need for proper tuning and the risks associated with lowering the vehicle too much can complicate the process for those new to suspension upgrades.

Ultimately, the decision to install coilovers depends on your driving style, vehicle use, and willingness to invest in both time and money for a more customizable suspension setup. For those seeking improved performance and a personalized driving experience, coilovers are an excellent choice. However, for those who prioritize comfort, affordability, and minimal maintenance, traditional suspension upgrades may be a better option.

Leave a Comment