Changing car suspensions: An easy modification

A set of coilovers for the Audi RS5 from KW.

Changing your car suspension doesn’t have to be more complicated than it sounds.

One of the easiest ways of upgrading your vehicle’s handling is to replace its stock suspension with a set of coilovers.

In a nutshell, coilovers are comprised of dampers (also commonly known as shock absorbers) and accompanying springs.

Aftermarket coilovers usually come in a set (like the one pictured) and are engineered to fit specific makes and models.

What does your car’s anti-roll bar do?

They usually lower your car’s ride height and can also provide stiffer damping to better control leaning and body roll during cornering manoeuvres.

Some dampers are also adjustable for compression and rebound.

Compression refers to when the springs are “squashed” or pressed down.

Rebound is when they “bounce” back up.

How does torsion beam suspension work in a car?

Be aware, however, that tweaking and tuning these characteristics can be tricky!

Modifying your car suspension may also lead you to spend even more money.

For most owners, modifying car suspensions isn’t enough.

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The brakes, wheels and tyres will also end up being modified.

And for some, the entire exercise will require a bodykit, too!

Let’s look at the pros and cons of aftermarket car suspensions

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The Pros
+ Enhanced handling via lessened body roll, leaning and a lower centre of gravity
+ Possible to adjust the balance between ride comfort and handling, which is handy for those drivers who go for track days
+ Gives your car a nicer stance because of the lower ride height

Adaptive suspension: What is it and how does it work?

The Cons
– Stiffer ride is uncomfortable for daily use
– Suspension mods are just the tip of the iceberg…
– Will need beefier brakes, larger lightweight rims and high-performance tyres to really get the most out of it

So yes, while swopping the standard car suspension for a sportier coilover kit is easy, you might end up spending a lot more than you initially planned.

But if aesthetics are more important than all-out performance, then swop your suspension for a set of coilovers, one size larger wheels and better tyres.

Then call it a day before you bust your budget!