Will changing to short springs on a car be checked by traffic police?
4 Answers
Generally, changing to short springs on a car will not be checked by traffic police. Below is an introduction to the benefits of short springs: 1. Handling: The main purpose of modifying springs is to improve handling, which means switching to stiffer or shorter springs. Springs control many factors related to handling, and changes to springs can result in complex alterations to handling characteristics. 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. Lowering the vehicle height can also enhance aesthetic appeal. 2. Center of Gravity: The most important method to improve handling is to lower the vehicle's center of gravity, which reduces weight transfer and body roll during cornering. The simplest way to lower the vehicle is by modifying the springs. Using short springs is the easiest and quickest method.
I'm a car modification enthusiast myself and often discuss this with fellow car enthusiasts. Installing shorter springs is mainly to lower the vehicle height and improve handling, making the car more stable when cornering. However, under Chinese traffic regulations, arbitrarily modifying the suspension system—if it alters the vehicle's original factory dimensions—is against the rules. During roadside checks or annual inspections, traffic police may stop and inspect your car if they notice abnormal ride height. Some of my friends have faced fines, especially in cities with strict enforcement like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. I recommend researching local policies before changing springs and opting for certified, compliant products or filing the modifications with the DMV to avoid trouble. Car modification is fun, but safety and legality should come first—don’t prioritize looks over risks.
I've been driving for over a decade and have some understanding of car structures. Replacing with shorter springs is essentially modifying the suspension, which lowers the car body. If this exceeds the factory-set range, it may violate regulations. Traffic laws explicitly prohibit unauthorized changes to key vehicle parameters as this affects driving stability and can easily cause accidents. During routine patrols or special inspections, if traffic police notice your car is significantly lowered, they'll likely check it. Annual inspections are another hurdle - you won't pass without reverting the modifications. I remember seeing this situation years ago when helping a friend tune his car. The solution is simple: either use genuine brand parts that comply with national standards, or apply for modification approval from traffic authorities in advance. Safety comes first - don't mess around unnecessarily.
I'm just an ordinary driver, and my neighbor installed lowering springs, which looks pretty cool. Will traffic police check? During daily driving, they're usually busy directing traffic and won't specifically look out for it. But if they're patrolling at night or at an accident scene, a car sitting too low is more likely to get pulled over. It will definitely be checked during the annual inspection, and you'll have to restore it to the original condition to pass. I suggest carefully weighing the pros and cons: after the change, the car handles more nimbly, but it's easier to scrape the bottom over bumps, affecting comfort. Don't take the risk—legal driving is the most worry-free.
