A Quick Guide to Performance Suspension Terminology
If you're passionate about improving your vehicle's handling, ride quality, and stance, then you've likely come across a variety of terms surrounding suspension systems. At Springrates, we're here to help you make informed decisions about upgrading your car's suspension. Whether you're a seasoned car enthusiast or just getting started, understanding these key terms will give you the confidence to choose the best performance suspension setup for your needs.
1. Coilovers Coilovers are a popular choice for those looking to lower their car, improve handling, or dial in their suspension settings. The term "coilover" comes from “coil spring over shock absorber.” These adjustable systems allow you to control the ride height and damping, giving you a custom feel for both street and track use. Coilovers are highly recommended for drivers seeking both performance and aesthetics.
2. Lowering Springs Lowering springs are a great entry-level option for those who want to drop their ride height without the adjustability of coilovers. They replace your car’s stock springs, offering a fixed amount of lowering, which improves handling by lowering the vehicle’s center of gravity. This upgrade is perfect for those who want a straightforward, cost-effective solution to improve their car’s stance and cornering ability.
3. Dampers (Shock Absorbers or Struts) Dampers, often referred to as shock absorbers, play a critical role in controlling how your car reacts to bumps and uneven surfaces. They absorb and dissipate energy, preventing excessive bouncing. Performance dampers are designed to offer more control over how your suspension moves, giving you a smoother ride and improved stability during high-speed driving.
4. Spring Rate The spring rate refers to how much force is required to compress a spring by a specific distance. In performance suspension setups, a higher spring rate means stiffer springs, which can improve handling and reduce body roll during cornering. However, stiffer springs may also lead to a harsher ride on rough roads, so balancing performance and comfort is key.
5. Camber Camber refers to the angle of your tires when viewed from the front or back of the vehicle. Negative camber means the top of the tires lean inward, while positive camber means they lean outward. Adjusting camber is important for maintaining optimal tire contact with the road, especially during cornering. Many performance suspension systems, like coilovers, allow for camber adjustments to enhance grip and reduce tire wear during aggressive driving.
6. Sway Bars (Anti-Roll Bars) Sway bars connect the suspension components on either side of your vehicle to reduce body roll during cornering. By stiffening the connection between the left and right wheels, sway bars help your car stay more level through turns, which improves handling. Upgrading to thicker, performance-oriented sway bars can significantly boost cornering stability without compromising ride quality.
7. Toe and Caster Toe refers to how much the wheels are angled inward or outward when viewed from above. Toe-in (wheels angled inward) can improve stability, while toe-out (wheels angled outward) enhances agility. Caster, on the other hand, affects steering response and stability by controlling the angle of your car’s steering axis. Adjusting toe and caster can dramatically change how your vehicle handles at different speeds.
8. Ride Height Adjustment One of the major benefits of performance suspension systems like coilovers is the ability to adjust your car’s ride height. Lowering your ride height can improve your car’s center of gravity, enhancing both aesthetics and performance. It also allows for finer control over handling characteristics and better aerodynamics for track-focused builds.
Why Understanding Suspension Terminology Matters
Choosing the right suspension setup for your vehicle can transform your driving experience. Whether you're focused on track performance, daily driving, or simply getting the perfect stance, understanding these key suspension terms helps ensure you get the best results from your upgrades.
At Springrates, we specialize in high-quality performance suspension parts designed to improve your vehicle's handling and appearance. Our selection of coilovers, lowering springs, and other suspension components is curated to help you achieve the perfect balance of performance and comfort.
Shop Now and Elevate Your Ride with Springrates
Take the next step in upgrading your car’s performance with our selection of premium suspension products. Whether you’re looking for coilovers, lowering springs, or sway bars, Springrates has everything you need to improve your ride quality and handling. Browse our full catalog today and feel the difference!
