Coilovers are an important part of modifying a vehicle. They are responsible for adjusting the ride height of a car and can provide a much better ride than stock suspension, both in terms of comfort and performance. How long do coilovers last is a question we get asked a lot. That depends on a few factors, but we will discuss those in this blog post. We will also talk about how to take care of your coilovers and what to do if they start to wear out.
But before we dive into the details, lets take a moment to recap on the basics of how coilovers work.
What Are Coilovers And How Do They Work?
Coilovers are a type of suspension system that combines the shock and spring into one unit. This makes it different from other suspension systems, which have the spring separate from the shock. Coilovers usually come with preassembled shocks and springs that are designed to work together perfectly. This not only improves the look of your car by reducing the wheel gap but also enhances its handling and performance.
The coilover can be adjusted to change how high or low the car sits, as well as how stiff the suspension is. This means that you can adjust it to match your driving style and needs. If you want a smoother ride, you can soften the suspension. If you are racing, you can make it harder so that the car responds better to the track.
Common Issues With Coilovers
Noise Issues
If your coilovers are making a funny noise, it’s likely that either the installation was done poorly or some of the bolts have come loose. This is a common issue, and the easiest way to fix it is to find the source of the noise and tighten the bolts. You could also just take off the coilovers and reinstall them, then clean them while you’re at it!
The clunking noise that often occurs with coilovers can be caused by metal-on-metal contact. This happens when the metal components of the suspension system rub together. This can be a common issue, especially if you’ve been using your coilovers for a while, or if you’ve installed other suspension components that add stress to the system. Metal-on-metal contact can wear out the components and create noise. That’s why coilovers come with rubber bushings and bump stops – these materials help to cushion the impact and reduce noise.
Harsh Ride/Bumping
If you’re not sure if your springs are too weak, you can test them by going over bumps. If your spring load is too low, then the spring will fully compress even with just a passenger or two. The solution is to replace the spring on the coilovers with one that’s stronger (higher spring load).
Leaking Fluids
Inside the shocks of coilovers, there is oil that helps to absorb energy. If your coilovers are leaking oil, it might mean that the seals are old and need to be replaced.
How Long Do Coilovers Last (Typically)?
This is a question that many car enthusiasts ask and the answer can vary depending on the make and model of the car, as well as the type of coilovers. In general, most coilovers will last around five to six years before needing to be replaced. However, this number can vary greatly depending on how often they are used and how well they are taken care of. If you take good care of your coilovers and don’t drive them too hard, they may last for up to ten years or more. On the other hand, if you abuse your coilovers or drive them frequently in harsh conditions, they may only last for two or three years. It’s important to keep this in mind when deciding whether or not to purchase a set of coilovers.
If you are the type of person who likes to switch up their car’s look often, then coilovers may not be the best option for you, as they tend to last a bit longer than other types of suspension modifications. If you are looking for something that will give your car a new look without having to replace it entirely, then consider upgrading your suspension with some springs or shocks instead. Springs and shocks can be replaced more frequently than coilovers without having to spend a lot of money, and they can also provide your car with a different feel or ride height.
With regular maintenance and care, there is no reason they should not last indefinitely
Do Coilovers Come With A Warranty?
Usually, though, coilovers come with a limited lifetime warranty covering the replacement or repair of defective parts and springs due to manufacturing errors or defects only (not damage caused by improper use). Also, note that some warranties do not cover labor costs so you may have to pay extra if ever this happens which can take its toll on your pockets. The thing about warranties is also there be careful of companies that offer too-good-to-be-true warranties as these are usually just a marketing ploy and not really backed by anything. It is, however, always best to ask the seller about their warranty policies before making your purchase
Tips For Maintaining Coilovers
Maintaining coilovers on a car is a relatively simple process, but it is important to follow the correct steps in order to ensure optimal performance and safety. Here are the basic steps you need to take:
1. Clean the coilovers regularly. Coilovers can become dirty over time, and this can affect their performance. Make sure to clean them using a mild soap and water solution.
2. Inspect the seals regularly. The seals on coilovers are important for keeping moisture and dirt out of the internals of the suspension system. Make sure to check them for damage or signs of wear, and replace them as necessary.
3. Be careful when adjusting the springs. Over-tightening the springs can cause them to break, which can lead to serious safety issues. Make sure to adjust the springs using the correct amount of force, and only do so when necessary.
Follow these steps to ensure that your coilovers are always in good condition and performing at their best.
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