Springs are an important part of a vehicle’s suspension. That said, different types of springs are used in different types of cars. Leaf springs and coil springs are important for a vehicle’s suspension system. Both the springs help improve handling, steering stability, ride comfort and traction.
Coil springs are common in modern cars while most older cars use leaf springs. Though the function of both coils is similar, each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Let’s go through the difference between leaf spring vs coil spring in detail, their function, pros and cons.
What Are Leaf Springs?
When it comes to suspension systems, leaf springs are common in older vehicles. They consist of metal sheets of different sizes stacked on top of each other. Leaf springs were mostly used before the late 1970s. You can find them in vehicles as old as the classic horse-drawn carriages and the Ford Model T.
Since leaf springs spread the vehicle’s weight over a wider area, they are used on larger vehicles such as vans, trucks, and heavy-duty pickups.
How Do Leaf Springs Work?
Upon encountering force, leaf springs flatten to dampen road jolts and bumps. The metal leaves are perpendicular and curved toward the road. They bend under pressure and are capable of heavy load handling. Leaf spring shackles connect the leaf springs to the vehicle. These free-hanging loops allow leaf springs to change in length to adjust to different road conditions.
Leaf Spring Suspensions Pros and Cons
Although many modern cars use coil springs, leaf springs offer many advantages. What makes them great for off-road and commercial applications is their simplicity, strength, and reliability. Let’s go through the pros and cons of leaf springs vs coil springs in detail.
Leaf Spring Pros
Simple Design
With a leaf-spring suspension setup, the spring supports the axle. The simple design makes the installation, upgrade and repair of leaf springs easier. You can replace individual leaves or adjust flexibility by adding or removing leaves.
Moreover, modification of leaf springs is easy to enhance performance, improve tyre stability, and handling while increasing ride height.
Reliability
In addition to a simple design, leaf springs are reliable for suspension. This is why they were common in older vehicles before coil springs. Though low in cost, leaf springs were dependable. Moreover, the heavy weight and strength of leaf springs add to their reliability. This is because higher unsprung vehicle weight can increase the wheel’s contact with the ground. This means better traction in muddy or slippery situations.
Superior Hauling Power
The tight structure of leaf springs allows them to distribute weight across a wider area. These springs can handle heavier vertical loads compared to coil springs. They can also support heavier vehicles. Because of their hauling power, many commercial vehicles are equipped with leaf springs.
Leaf Spring Cons
Leaf springs fit under the frame of the vehicle in a way that impedes wheel travel when on too steep an incline or decline. Leaf spring shackles also affect these angles.
Prone to Axle Wrap
One of the disadvantages of using a leaf spring setup is axle wrap. Axle wrap means that the rear axle housing twists when the car accelerates. This can not only crack the leaf springs but can also loosen the driveshaft. The transmission could also break in the process.
Shackle Inversion
Another potential disadvantage of using leaf springs is shackle inversion. This is when the leaf spring chain moves past the designated axis movement and gets stuck. The problem of shackle inversion is commonly encountered when off-roading. When this happens, the entire suspension system is inoperable and can cause further vehicle damage if you continue to drive.
What are Coil Springs?
Coil springs are common in most modern-day vehicles. The coils are basically giant springs wrapped around shocks or struts. To provide suspension to each wheel, coil spring systems work with a number of shock absorbers, control arms and linkages.
How Do Coil Springs Work?
In most coil spring suspensions, a central coil majorly reduces force. A series of arms from the suspension connects to the wheel and keeps it attached to the vehicle, allowing it to flex. As each wheel can adjust to the road conditions individually, this improves ride quality to a great extent.
Coil Spring Suspension Pros and Cons
Coil springs offer several advantages, including more comfort and flexibility. Thanks to the strength of coil springs, there aren’t many problems with this form of suspension. That said, they are expensive and not suitable for very heavy vehicles.
Coil Spring Pros
Greater Flexibility and Comfort
Coil springs are more flexible than leaf springs. The greater flexibility makes up for a wider range of suspension movement. The coil spring’s ability to flex and bend helps them absorb bumps and potholes in the road.
Customisable
Each piece of coil spring suspension system is customisable. Because of this reason, off-roaders usually prefer coil spring systems so they can customize and fine-tune them to their desired specifications. Firmer springs and tough sway bars are better for off-roading.
Coil springs can also be modified for better performance reasons. Coil springs offer a wide range of motion allowing for better tuning compared to leaf springs. This makes them ideal for performance vehicles.
Performance and Off-Road Capability
Coil springs allow more articulation when off-roading. Moreover, coil springs also offer the best approach and departure angles. Vehicles can cross rough terrains with coil spring suspension system.
When it comes to performance driving, coil springs improve handling. The springs compress during cornering or sharp turns, increasing the firmness of the suspension to control bumps and body roll. That said, when cruising down straightaways, coil springs maintain a comfortable and soft ride.
Coil Spring Cons
Can Be Expensive
A difference between leaf spring vs coil spring is that the latter is more expensive. Though individual parts are no more expensive than leaf springs, the coil spring setup has more parts. Moreover, the delicate alignment needed for coil-sprung suspensions needs professional installation, which can be pricey. The process of converting leaf-spring suspension to coil-spring is also expensive. Retro-fits require a lot of work and are usually expensive.
Not for Heavy Vehicles
Another difference between coil springs and leaf springs is that the former is not good for heavy vehicles. They are lightweight and the vehicle weight concentration can put a strain on them. The coils may crack or break in case of corrosion. This is why most medium- and heavy-duty trucks and commercial vehicles still use leaf springs.
Are Coil Springs Better Than Leaf Springs?
If coil springs are better than leaf springs or vice versa depends on your driving style. That said, both springs are suitable for most driving forms and important for vehicle suspension system maintenance. Leaf springs are better for heavy vehicles while coil springs are good for performance vehicles.
That is all about the difference between leaf springs vs coil springs. If you are looking for a vehicle with any of these suspension systems, here is a list of used cars for sale in the UAE.
Stay tuned to UAE’s top auto blog for more on car DIY solutions, car repair tips and much more.
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