What's the Difference Between Short Springs and Coilovers?
2 Answers
Short springs are a part of coilovers. Here are some introductions about short springs and coilovers: 1. Definition: Coilovers refer to shock absorbers with adjustable spring height design. Replacing short springs involves changing the springs wrapped around the shock absorbers to shorter ones, thereby lowering the vehicle's height, reducing ground clearance, and improving the stability of the car body. 2. Function: Springs control many factors related to handling, and changes to springs can result in complex alterations in handling characteristics. For example, increasing stiffness can enhance the suspension's ability to resist roll, reducing body roll during cornering. Lowering the vehicle height can simultaneously lower the center of gravity, reducing weight transfer during cornering and improving stability. Additionally, lowering the vehicle height can also enhance aesthetic appeal.
The most fundamental difference between lowering springs and coilovers is that one is a standalone spring component, while the other is a complete adjustable suspension system. Lowering springs are simply shorter springs that are directly installed onto the factory shock absorbers, quickly lowering the vehicle's height by one to two inches, making the car look cooler and improving handling stability. When I first started modifying cars, I installed them myself. The advantage is that they're really affordable—just a few hundred bucks—and installation is quite simple, something you can DIY. However, there are several downsides: they compress the factory shock absorbers' travel, which can accelerate wear and reduce comfort, making the ride noticeably harsher over speed bumps. While the lower center of gravity improves stability during high-speed cornering, if the factory shocks aren't well-matched, it can lead to instability. Over time, you might also need to inspect and replace the shocks. Overall, lowering springs are a good entry-level option for budget-conscious owners or those looking for a slight aesthetic tweak, but be careful not to compromise driving safety.
