Car coilover suspensions offer better stability as compared to standard suspensions. In a way, they are just like your standard shock absorbers but with a coil spring. They offer more flexibility when it comes to vehicle height adjustment, which in turn improves overall aerodynamics and handling.
The installation of coilover suspensions in cars will require the replacement of standard lowering spring and shock absorber. Although both suspension systems are designed to improve ride experience, the coilover tips the scale with added benefits.
Let’s take a look at how coilover suspensions work and the benefits they have to offer.
Understanding Coilover Suspensions
In a standard suspension system, there is a spring with a shock absorber in the middle. The shock absorber and the spring work together but as separate components of the system. The coilover, however, also features similar components but acting as a single element. Additionally, it allows you to control preload on the spring so that the vehicle’s height can be adjusted accordingly.
In other words, it combines the technology of both lowering spring and shock absorbers for better control and flexibility. Since it is a combined single unit, the installation of coilover suspension in cars is a straightforward process.
Components of a Coilover Suspension
There are various components in a car coilover suspension, including the upper control arm, coil spring (main spring), shock, lower mount and a helper spring. The main spring is stiffer as it compresses the shock and must maintain upward movement after a bump. The helper spring is a thinner spring that keeps the main spring in place and engaged.
A standard coilover usually has a fixed lower mount and allows for height adjustment through the preload spring. This limits the vehicle capacity when lowering the height. When adjusting for lower height, the main spring along the shock will remain compressed by the vehicle load. Since the shocks come close to bump stop or top mount, this lowers the shock performance. This is where the adjustable lower mount comes into play, which allows for more range when lowering the car’s height.
These modern coilover suspensions offer more flexibility with an adjustable lower mount when it comes to height adjustments.Nonetheless, for a standard car, a regular coilover suspension should be enough for a street drive without bringing the height close to the ground.
The stiffness of coilover suspension depends on the rebound and compression control. Rebound control refers to how fast a car weight moves upward or away from the tyre, whereas compression control means how fast the weight moves towards the tyres.
Pros and Cons of Coilovers
The coilover suspension comes with its own set of benefits and downsides. The pros and cons should help you decide if it is a feature you should consider when buying a car in the UAE.
Advantages
- Better Handling: Coilover suspensions offer better handling and cornering capabilities by reducing the car’s centre of gravity.
- Better Damping: Use of multiple springs and shock absorbers allow for better damping capabilities at low height·
- Height Adjustment: A prime benefit of the coilover suspension as it allows for adjustment of vehicle height through preload settings.
Disadvantages
- Stiffer Ride: Coilover suspensions are designed for optimum handling but make for stiffer riding experience.
- Variable Cost: Coilover suspension system comes in different prices and quality. It is usually more expensive than standard suspensions due to added benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do coilover suspensions do?
A coilover suspension system offers ride height adjustment capabilities by setting up a preload or damper. Height adjustment affects the car aerodynamics and impacts the overall handling. Such flexibility of adjustments is what gives the coilover advantage over the standard suspension system.
How to adjust coilovers for a smooth ride?
For smoother experience, the compression and rebound control needs to soften up. This is usually managed by utilizing softer springs, altering preload variables and adjusting vehicle height.
Car coilover suspensions are usually hard in order to support low height cars as that is what the market demands. To balance it out, stiffer springs are required that in turn also negatively affects the riding experience. Correct installation is the key as cheaper coilover may not offer much flexibility in supporting low height ride.
When planning to install coilover suspensions, avoid modifications in a new car to retain its value. Check out our listings of used cars for sale in the UAE.
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