How does the car feel to you when you’re driving it? Does it handle well? Your vehicle should be able to keep you safe if you plan on traveling across long distances. One way to ensure your car’s performance is up to par is by assessing its suspension.
An upgrade may be what you need to get that smooth driving experience. Consider these factors if you’re thinking about making an improvement.
When to Upgrade the Suspension
Car owners upgrade their suspension for various reasons. Sometimes it’s out of necessity because of outdated or broken parts. Some gearheads want to switch theirs out because of a new driving style they want to try. Here are popular reasons why you might be looking for an upgrade:
- Your suspension is old and worn: Perhaps the most common reason to upgrade a suspension is that it’s not working anymore. Check the leaf springs on your vehicle because they could be worn. One tell-tale sign that an upgrade is needed is if your car is lower on one side than the other.
- You want to drift: Drifting is a fun activity where drivers oversteer their car by manipulating the steering wheel, brakes, and throttle. Be mindful that drifting requires a strong suspension. You can start by upgrading your coilovers. Coilovers act almost like shock absorbers, and drifters use them when they want to lower their vehicles. Also, look into replacing your sway bar. This part is a key component of your car’s handling.
- You want to go off-roading: You should upgrade your vehicle’s suspension if you love the outdoors and driving on snow, sand, dirt, or other terrains. Off-roading takes its toll, whether you’re driving a truck, SUV, or Jeep. Pay close attention to the axles in your suspension system because quality versions will help the performance and durability needed.
Benefits of Upgrading Your Suspension
Your suspension is one of the most critical systems of your car. You’ll find these benefits from upgrading your suspension whether you’re casually driving on the highway or off-roading on rough terrain:
- Better handling: Your suspension affects how well you can handle your steering wheel while driving. You’ll feel better handling all types of terrain, on- and off-road.
- Better braking: The quality of your suspension will greatly affect the wear of your brake system. These two items work together to provide stability while you drive. A poor suspension might lead to swerving and erratic driving while braking. Upgrading your braking is worthwhile for all drivers, whether you enjoy drifting or casual driving.
- Better load capacity: The load capacity is one of the most important essential parts of your suspension, whether you’re hauling material for work, moving furniture to a new house, or carrying items for your vacation. Added weight from a car filled with people will not cause problems if you have a quality suspension system.
- Better longevity: Your car’s suspension is vital because it includes so many parts. An upgraded system will extend your vehicle’s life because you’ll have better brakes, chassis, tires, and more supporting the suspension. You’ll see long-term savings from keeping your current vehicle and not having to buy new parts and pieces constantly.
Cost of a Suspension Upgrade
Knowing what kind of suspension enhancements you want allows you to consider the costs before proceeding. Take these financial factors into account when doing your research:
- What’s your budget? How much you’re willing to spend is the first question you need to ask yourself. Upgrading your suspension has various options, so planning how much you can afford to pay in what amount of time will determine what you need to do.
- How far will you take it? How much do you want to alter? You could upgrade the braking system, tires, shocks, or parts here and there. However, a revamp of your entire chassis and suspension system will likely go into the thousand-dollar range if you want quality parts. A suspension project replacing the bearings, springs, and shocks will cost about $3,200 on average.
- Can you DIY? Having a mechanic do the work for you is likely to be more expensive due to the cost of labor and parts. You may consider a solo attempt at this project if you’re a gearhead. However, if you don’t have much experience, it may be best to research automotive technicians in your area to see who will give you the best deal on your desired parts and pieces.
Boosting Your Suspension
Your suspension is one of the most important systems in your car. The mechanism that includes the brakes, chassis, axles, sway bars, and more will significantly affect your vehicle’s performance, especially with the handling and smoothness of the drive.
Consider your reasons for upgrading, your end goals, your budget, and the pros and cons of an enhancement.
Martin Banks is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Modded. He covers the world of cars, driving, tech, and more.
Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author.