What does 'Coilover' mean?
2 Answers
Coilover is a type of shock absorber favored by car modification enthusiasts. Here are the specific details about coilovers: 1. Origin: Derived from racing technology, it refers to shock absorbers with adjustable (spring) height design. 2. Functions: (1) When the car is stationary: The ground clearance at the four corners of the vehicle significantly affects the load on the wheels at those positions. Increasing the ground clearance at the left rear corner increases the load on the left rear wheel and its diagonal counterpart (i.e., the right front wheel), while reducing the load on the other two diagonal wheels (left front and right rear). Decreasing the ground clearance has the opposite effect. Therefore, to some extent, height-adjustable shock absorbers can be used to tune the static weight distribution, including the driver and fuel load. (2) On the racetrack: Professional teams utilize the relationship between ground clearance and wheel load to calculate the load on each wheel of the race car. A car with adjusted corner weights will exhibit less weight transfer and better overall balance during dynamic conditions, helping to maximize tire performance. The ideal corner weight adjustment aims to distribute the vehicle's weight evenly (or deliberately increase/decrease the load on specific wheels for particular effects).
The term 'coilover' frequently appears in car circles, essentially referring to the adjustable components in the suspension system that allow manual or electric adjustment of the vehicle's height. With over a decade of driving experience, I find this feature quite practical. For instance, during rainy days or mountain driving, raising the height prevents water from flooding the chassis; in congested urban areas, lowering it looks cooler and saves space. However, it's crucial to have coilovers installed by professionals, as improper adjustment can affect driving stability. I've seen a friend's car veer off due to incorrect settings, leading to costly repairs. Additionally, coilovers relate to vehicle maintenance—regular checks on springs and shock absorbers are recommended to maintain balance and extend component lifespan. For family cars, coilovers aren't a necessity, but they do enhance safety and driving experience on rough roads. It's worth learning about them rather than making reckless modifications.
