How Long Do Coilovers Last (Are They WORTH It?)

Coilovers are a type of suspension that is becoming increasingly popular in the automotive world. They offer many benefits over traditional suspension setups, including improved handling and a more aggressive appearance. But one question that often comes up is how long do coilovers last?

The answer to this question depends on a few factors, including the quality of the coilovers and how they are used. In general, however, coilovers can last for many years with some lasting over 60,000 miles if they are properly maintained.

One of the best ways to extend the life of your coilovers is to make sure that they are regularly serviced. This means having them inspected and cleaned on a regular basis. It is also important to check the bolts and nuts that hold the coilovers in place, as they can loosen over time.

What are Coilovers?

Coilovers are a type of suspension that allows you to adjust the height of your car. They are also a popular choice for those who want to lower their car’s center of gravity, which can improve handling. Coilovers typically consist of a spring and shock absorber, and they can be adjusted to suit your driving style and preferences.

Coilovers are often used in racing applications, as they allow the driver to fine tune the handling of their car. Many aftermarket companies offer coilovers for street cars as well, which can improve the look and performance of your vehicle.

If you’re looking to improve your car’s suspension, coilovers may be the right choice for you.

How Do Coilovers Work

Coilovers also offer a greater degree of adjustability than other types of suspension systems, so you can fine-tune your ride to suit your driving style and the conditions you’ll be driving in. Here’s a closer look at how they work.

They consist of two main components: springs and shocks. The springs are responsible for supporting the vehicle’s weight, while the shocks help to absorb any bumps or jolts that the vehicle may encounter while driving.

When you hit a bump in the road, your car’s suspension system is designed to absorb the impact and keep the wheels in contact with the ground. The springs and shocks play a big role in this, working together to cushion the ride and prevent the body of the car from bouncing around.

Coilovers work by suspending the vehicle’s body on top of the springs. As the vehicle moves, the springs compress and expand, absorbing any shocks that occur. This provides a smoother ride for the occupants and helps to protect the vehicle’s suspension components from damage.

Lastly they can be adjusted to provide a softer or firmer ride, depending on the driver’s preferences. They can be adjusted to lower or raise the vehicle’s ride height, allowing for a more customized look.

How Long Do Coilovers Last

Coilovers typically last between 50,000 and 100,000 miles. However, this can vary depending on the quality of the suspension system and how well you maintain them. If you use your car for track days or other high-performance driving, you may need to replace more frequently. Proper care and maintenance will help extend the life of your coilovers.

On the other hand, cheaper coilovers may only last around 20,000 miles while more expensive ones can last over 80,000-100,000 miles. Be sure to check to inspect them regularly for any signs of wear or damage, and have them serviced by a professional if necessary. With proper care, your coilovers should last you for many years to come.

Coilovers Pros and Cons

Easy Adjustable

Coilovers offer much easier adjustability than traditional coil spring and shock absorbers. You can lower or raise your vehicle to a wide variety of different heights, which is great for those who want to change the look of their vehicle, or for those who need to adjust the height to accommodate different driving conditions.

Increased Safety:

Another advantage of coilovers is that they can actually increase safety. This is because they allow you to lower the center of gravity of your vehicle. This can help to improve handling and stability, which can be crucial in emergency situations.

Improved Suspension Performance:

One of the main advantages of coilovers is that they improve suspension performance. This is because they allow you to have greater control over the damping rate, which is the rate at which the shocks absorb energy from bumps in the road. By having more control over the damping rate, you can fine-tune the suspension to work better for your particular driving style and needs.

Improved Handling:

As mentioned above, one of the main advantages of coilovers is that they improve suspension performance. This also translates into improved handling. With better suspension, your vehicle will be able to take corners better and have more traction when accelerating and braking.

Increased Comfort:

Finally, another big advantage of coilovers is that they can actually increase comfort. This is because they offer a smoother ride. If you have ever driven on a rough road with traditional coil springs, then you know how jarring and uncomfortable it can be. With coilovers, the ride is much smoother and more comfortable.

These are just a few of the many advantages that coilovers offer. If you are looking for a way to improve the performance, handling, comfort, or safety of your vehicle, then coilovers may be the perfect solution.

Cons:

One of the most popular questions I get asked is, “What are some common problems with coilovers?” Here are a few things to keep in mind when you’re looking to upgrade your suspension.

Stiff Ride:

One of the most common complaints with coilovers is that they provide a much stiffer ride than traditional springs and shocks. This is due to the fact that coilovers are designed to lower your car significantly, and in doing so, they also reduce the amount of suspension travel. This can lead to a jarring ride, especially on rough roads.

Rattle and Squeaks

Rattles can be caused by a number of things, but most often it is due to loose hardware or improper installation. Make sure all the bolts are tightened properly and that there is no play in the system before assuming the worst.

Another common issue is squeaking noises. This is usually caused by either dirt or debris getting caught between the coils, or by dry joints. Both of these problems can be fixed by simply cleaning the coilovers and lubricating the joints.

Leaking

If you notice your car sagging, sitting lower than usual, or if it feels bouncier than usual, then chances are you have a leak.

Also, make sure to keep an eye on the spring perches. Over time, they can wear down and loosen, which will cause your car to sag. Additionally, the coils themselves can break over time. This is especially true if you live in an area with a lot of potholes or other road hazards.

Leaks can be fixed by replacing the seals or rebuilding the shocks, but in some cases, you may need to replace the entire shock assembly.

Bottoming Out

Bottoming out occurs when the suspension reaches its fullest extension and the tire makes contact with the fender or ground. Bottoming out can cause a number of problems, including alignment issues and premature wear on your tires and suspension components.

To avoid bottoming out, it is important to make sure that your coilovers are properly adjusted. If you are frequently bottoming out, you may need to adjust the spring rate or upgrade to a heavier duty spring.

Poor Ground Clearance

Another common problem with coilovers is that they can be lowered too much. This can cause your car to scrape on the ground when going over bumps or turning corners. It can also damage your tires and suspension components. If you lower your coilovers too much, it is important to have them adjusted so they provide adequate clearance.

Bouncing

This is usually caused by the shocks being too stiff, which causes them to rebound quickly and forcefully. This can be extremely uncomfortable for passengers, and it can also damage your suspension components.

It can also be caused by a number of things, but is usually the result of incorrect spring rate or damper settings. Make sure you consult with a professional before making any adjustments to your suspension.

Uneven Ride Height

This can be caused by a few different things, such as incorrect installation or an uneven ground. If you notice that your coilovers are not sitting at the same height, make sure to have them checked by a professional to avoid further damage.

Uneven ride can also be caused by uneven shock adjustment. This can be easily fixed by manually adjusting the coilovers to ensure that they are sitting at the same height.

Conclusion

Conclusion paragraph: Coilovers are a great way to improve the handling of your car, and they can last for a long time if you take care of them. However, there are some things to watch out for when it comes to coilovers.

Make sure you do your research before installing them, and be prepared for a bit of maintenance in order to keep them running well. Overall, coilovers provide a lot of benefits, and they’re worth considering if you want to upgrade your car’s suspension.