Will changing to short springs on a car be checked by traffic police?
2 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.
