Lowering for Your Car
For a Sportier Look and Improved Handling
Lowering a car is a popular tuning method that brings the body closer to the road. This coilover tuning is usually achieved by installing special suspension components such as coilovers, sports suspensions, height-adjustable springs, or sports springs. There are many reasons to lower your car. Two of the main reasons are improved driving dynamics and a sportier look.
Options for Lowering a Car
There are different ways to lower a car. The choice of method depends on your preferences, your vehicle type, and your requirements. Here are some common options:
Lowering with Coilovers
A coilover allows for individual adjustment of the vehicle height. It consists of several components, such as springs, dampers, and an adjustable threaded element. This element is used to change the position of the coilover springs, thereby raising or lowering the car.
The advantage of a coilover lies in its ability to adjust the vehicle height to your preferences or specific requirements. During installation and afterward, the vehicle's depth can be adjusted. Generally, both the front and rear axles can be adjusted independently. A coilover also offers numerous other dynamic driving advantages. The combination of lowering and the right damper setup ensures that the car grips the road better and can be steered more precisely.
Lowering with Sports Suspensions
A sports suspension consists of sports shock absorbers and lowering springs. It allows for targeted lowering of the vehicle, reducing the distance between the body and the road.
Sports suspensions are designed to optimize the vehicle's handling. Like coilovers, they can improve control in corners and reduce body roll. A disadvantage is the non-adjustable lowering. With a sports suspension, the vehicle's lowering cannot be changed at will. Nevertheless, sports suspensions are a popular accessory because they enhance driving dynamics and provide a sporty vehicle appearance.
Lowering with Coilover Springs
Coilover springs are used with the original shock absorbers to lower the car. If the vehicle has an electronic damper control system, using coil springs does not require deactivating the built-in electronic damper system. This means you can determine the degree of lowering yourself, depending on your preference.
These springs not only improve the vehicle's appearance but also offer better handling in most cases. With coil springs, you have the advantage of individually adjusting the vehicle height to your needs.
Lowering with Sports Springs
Sports springs are another way to lower the car. Unlike coil springs, however, sports springs are not adjustable. They are specially developed for each vehicle model and usually ensure an optimal balance between comfort and sportiness.
Using sports springs makes the vehicle not only more visually appealing but also more agile and responsive. The firmer damping provides better road grip and reduces body roll in corners. As a result, the car can be steered more precisely and offers a sportier driving experience.
The Pros and Cons of Lowered Vehicles
Lowering a vehicle not only changes its external appearance but can also have several effects on its handling. The decision to lower a vehicle requires careful consideration of the pros and cons associated with this modification.
Advantages of a Lowered Car
Lowering a car offers numerous potential benefits, ranging from visual enhancements to improved handling.
Sportier Look
A lowered car often appears more dynamic and aggressive. The reduced height gives the vehicle a sporty and more noticeable appearance that appeals to many car enthusiasts.
Better Handling
Lowering the center of gravity makes the car more stable in corners. The reduced roll moment allows for more precise steering and improved road holding.
Improved Aerodynamics
A lower vehicle profile improves aerodynamics. This can lead to increased efficiency and even slightly improved fuel efficiency. In electric vehicles, this can lead to more range.
Increased Stability
Due to the lower center of gravity and reduced body roll, a lowered car is more stable on straight roads, especially at higher speeds.
Disadvantages of Lowering
While a lowered car can offer many advantages, there are also potential disadvantages and challenges to consider:
Limited Ground Clearance
Lowering reduces the vehicle's ground clearance, which can cause problems on uneven roads, speed bumps, or obstacles.
Reduced Ride Comfort
Excessive lowering can lead to reduced ride comfort, affecting overall driving comfort.
Parking Difficulties
Some driveways, curbs, or parking garages may be harder to access due to reduced ground clearance.
Our brands
In order to offer you the best possible product selection, we carry high-quality products from the following brands in our range:
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How low can my car be after lowering it?
Some guidelines state that your car, along with the driver and a full tank, must be able to pass over an obstacle with a height of 110 mm without touching. In some countries, you must ensure that, according to street regulations, the dipped and high beams, as well as the indicators, are at least 500 mm above the road. Furthermore, the lower edge of the front license plate must not be less than 200 mm above the ground.
2. What should be considered when lowering?
When lowering a vehicle, it is important to comply with legal regulations. This includes using high-quality, compatible components with an ABE (general operating permit), EC approval, or parts certificate. Expert knowledge or professional assistance can be helpful to ensure vehicle stability, ground clearance, and safety. Regular checks of brakes, coilovers, and alignment are recommended.
3. Can I simply shorten the stock springs myself?
It is strongly advised against shortening the springs yourself to lower the vehicle. This is not only illegal but also poses a significant safety risk for the driver and other road users. If you are interested in lowering, you should use high-quality coilover springs or a professionally developed coilover kit.
4. How much does it cost to install a lowering kit?
The cost of installing a lowering kit varies depending on the vehicle type, chosen method (lowering springs, coilovers, etc.), and workshop. Generally, costs can range between 300 and 800 euros or more. It is recommended to obtain multiple quotes from different workshops in advance.
5. Does the lowering need to be registered?
In some countries, lowering a vehicle must be registered according to street regulations. The lowering must comply with legal requirements and be approved or registered through a technical inspection.
6. What does it cost to register a lowering?
The cost of registering a lowering with the technical inspection organization can vary depending on the region, vehicle type, and lowering method. Mostly, costs range between 50 and 150 euros. Additional costs may apply if a TÜV certificate is required. It is advisable to inquire about the exact costs in advance.
7. What brands are available?
We have many years of experience in the field of tuning and lowering. In addition to high-quality products, we offer comprehensive advice tailored to your individual needs and wishes. We carry coilovers from established brands such as KW Suspensions, ST Suspensions, ap Sportfahrwerke and our own brand, DTSline.
Whether you value comfort, sportiness, or track suitability, we are happy to help you choose the right coilover for your vehicle.