How Much Should I Lower My Car?

The uppermost limit for lowering one's car's height should be 1.5 inches. This height ensures a bold, intense look and provides an optimum comfort level to the rider. Some people go for an even lower height. In that case, the ride will remain comfortable, but the chances of bottoming or scraping against bumpy roads increase.

Now, let's dive into details, so keep reading because, after this article, one will know all about lowering one's car.

How Is Ride Height Measured?

Before lowering, one must measure the vehicle's height to get an exact idea of how much the lowering should be.

A retractable measuring tape can help one determine the height, i.e., the distance of the road from front & rear bumpers. Ensure the following points before measuring the height to get an accurate reading:

• The driver is sitting in their seat
• The fuel tank is half-filled
• The boot is loaded with the usual load
• Passenger's seat has one person (optional)

What Should The Final Height Be?

Experts opine that the best car height is 12.5" from the front and 13" inches from the rear. This height will bring the desired intense look and save the car from bottoming or scratching.

Since the rear portion of the car has a fuel tank and trunk, so for leveling purposes, the rear usually is higher than the front.

Does Lowering a Car Make the Ride Uncomfortable?

One of the major concerns is whether lowering a car's height compromises comfortability? The answer, unfortunately, is yes! Lower height means less space for springs to absorb shocks, which would lead to a stiffer ride with chances of bottoming out.

But progressive spring rate springs can still be a saving grace. Spring rate determines the amount of load for compression of 1".

Progress spring rate ensures that the bottom part of the spring has a higher spring rate than the top. This allows a comfortable drive without any spring compression.

Is It Worth It to Lower Your Car?

An enhanced look and better handling, so why not!

But still, let's chart out both the pros & cons of lowering the car to make an informed decision.

Pros:

• Improved Handling: cornering gets easier with lowering the car. The driver also gets a better sense of control.
• Looks Great: One thing that one can’t deny is how beautiful a lowered car looks. So, a better-looking car, go for it!

Cons:

• Bottoming Out: Too much lowering can increase the risk of bumper scratching against pavements. A drop of 1" to 1.5" is enough!
• Stiffer Ride. The comfort level will be compromised, and a more rigid driving experience will come along with lowering.
• It can be expensive. Car lowering can cost a fortune, so go for it only if one has extra money.

What Is the Best Way to Lower Your Car?

There can be many ways of car lowering. The best ones are listed below:

1. Lowering Springs

Stock springs can be replaced by lowering springs. Not only do these springs fit on stock chocks, but they are also shorter in size and have a progressive spring rate. The set costs about $250 and is a reliable option.

2. Coilovers

These are coil springs that fit onto shocks. Unlike lowering springs, coil-overs are adjustable, and this factor makes them worth more money. Good coilovers can cost about $1500-3000.

How Much Does It Cost To Lower A Car?

Lowering one's car includes the costs of aftermarket mod (reducing springs/coil-overs), installation, and alignment. So, one can always calculate the cost after pondering over one's available options.

And this was all one needs to know about lowering one's car.