Car lovers and enthusiasts would do anything to make their rides look cooler, sleeker, and better. One way to achieve this is by modifying the car’s suspension system for a lowered stance. A lower car not only looks great but also improves its aerodynamics and handling.
If you’re one of those contemplating lowering your vehicle, there are several factors to consider before embarking on such an endeavor. The biggest concern on many people’s minds is the cost of the modification.
The cost of lowering a car varies depending on several variables such as the type of car, the quality of parts used, and the experience level of the technician performing the work. However, it’s crucial to set a realistic budget from the outset for successful completion of the project without breaking the bank.
“If we all worked on the assumption that what is accepted as true were really true, there would be little hope of advance.” -Orville Wright
In this article, we explore the various factors and costs involved in lowering different types of cars. We’ll help you navigate through the different options available so you can make informed decisions towards achieving your dream car. So buckle up! It’s time to find out exactly how much it costs to lower a car!
Factors That Affect the Cost of Lowering a Car
Quality of Parts
The quality of parts used to lower a car plays a significant role in determining the overall cost. High-quality springs, shocks, and struts designed for lowering a car come at an expensive price point compared to standard ones. The extra cost comes in because high-end kits are often made with better raw materials, have more advanced technology, and go through more rigorous testing.
The difference between standard and premium lowing parts can also be found in safety standards. There is always the risk that poor fitting or shoddy parts could cause damage to a car’s alignment, tires, and suspension system. Premium parts help minimize these risks by being specifically engineered and tested for lowering cars.
“Compromising on the quality of products when it comes to vehicle modification should never be entertained as this will pose a great threat not only to the passenger inside the car but other commuters on the road as well.” – GBODYForum
One lesser-known fact about lowering a car is that cheap parts may not even lower the car effectively. They might give only a minimal effect on ride height while ruining the handling of the entire car. Thus, installing cheaper parts and expecting the same results as reliable brands is faulty reasoning.
Customization Needs
The level of customization required affects the cost of lowering your car. Every driver has their unique preferences in modifying their vehicles, meaning each one requires different types of equipment.
If you want your car lowered with standard components, it is relatively simple work for professionals who install them. However, if you require any customizations like spindle swaps, strut tower braces, or adjustable camber plates that are meant to enhance balance and control, then you’re asking for additional time, tools and effort from the installation specialists – resulting in higher costs.
Additionally, if your car has a unique design that requires extra work to modify (like European cars), this can also impact pricing. This is because modifying parts of a luxury car model demands more accurate leveling techniques than other vehicles’ modifications.
“When people ask me how much it would cost to have their vehicle lowered – usually, my answer revolves around several factors such as what’s required for the client, what we need to modify, etc.” – Megan Racing
Customizing the car often results in fitment issues too. For example, aftermarket rims with lower offsets may stick outward beyond the fender causing rubbing issues on the arch or wheel well liners. Certified professionals may recommend fitting smaller sized tires, rolling lips or changing offset, which incurs added costs because alignment settings altered while making these necessary adjustments.
The total cost of lowering a car varies from driver-to-driver. The more extensive and customized the modification, the higher the ends up standing at the end of the process. Planning a budget before getting started helps compare apples to apples when shopping or hiring an installer.
Different Ways to Lower Your Car
Lowering a car is something that many drivers want to do in order to achieve improved performance and better aesthetics. However, before lowering your vehicle, it’s important to understand the various options at your disposal and the associated costs.
Suspension
The most popular way of lowering a car is through adjusting or replacing the suspension system. The cost can vary widely depending on the make and model of your car, as well as the type of suspension you choose to install.
A coilover suspension system typically costs between $1000 and $5000 for parts and installation. This option provides maximum adjustability and customization, allowing for a more comfortable ride without sacrificing sportiness.
An air suspension kit usually costs between $2000 and $6000 for parts and installation. These kits allow for adjustable height at the push of a button and provide a smooth ride by utilizing compressed air instead of springs.
Coilovers
Coilovers offer one of the most flexible and customizable ways of lowering your car. They provide not only an immediate boost in appearance but also deliver upgraded handling capabilities. They are designed so that the spring perch is threaded into a shock absorber body. Thus if you want to raise or lower your ride then all you have to do is twist the hex nut which moves the shock and spring up/down. Installing them will likely require professional assistance, with the average total cost ranging from $1,000 to $4,000.
“Coilovers offer a perfect balance between ride comfort and performance.” – TractionLife.com
Springs
Another common way of lowering your car is through installing specialized springs. Typically made from stiffer materials than stock springs, these can be a cost-effective way of lowering your car without sacrificing too much comfort.
Lowering spring kits range from $200 to around $1,000 depending on the vehicle’s make and model. Keep in mind that low-quality springs may negatively affect ride quality and safety and may need frequent replacements.
“Springs are the easiest suspension modifications you can make.” – ChrisFix
Factors That Affect The Cost
- The type of parts needed: Coilovers and air suspensions typically come with higher costs as they provide adjustable height levels compared to spring lowering kits
- Your vehicle’s specific type or model might require specialized parts which could add to the overall project time and so increases installation price
- If customization is required for components (color options), this might have an effect on price
- Installation fees depend on where you go as some garages charge more than others. You should compare prices from different providers in order to get the best deal
Understanding the different ways you can lower your car will put you in control of your budget and help you make an informed decision. Whether you opt for a coilover system, spring kit or change the entire suspension system, taking into account all relevant factors will ensure you find the balance between style and performance for your personal preferences.
Cost of Lowering a Car Suspension
Parts Cost
The cost to lower a car suspension will vary depending on several factors such as the make and model of your car, the type of suspension system, and the quality of parts you choose. In general, the main components you will need for lowering your car’s suspension include:
- Lowering springs or coilovers
- Performance shocks or struts
- Sway bars
- Alignment kit
If you opt for just lowering springs, the average cost can range from $150-$350. However, if you decide to upgrade to coilovers which offer more customization options and performance benefits, they can cost anywhere from $700 to over $3000.
In addition to the springs or coilovers, performance shocks or struts are recommended to ensure proper ride quality and handling after lowering your car. Depending on the brand and type, these can cost around $200-$1000 per set.
Sway bars are another key component when it comes to lowering your car, helping to reduce body roll during cornering. These typically cost around $100-400 per set. Lastly, an alignment kit is necessary to ensure that your tires wear evenly and your car handles properly. This can cost around $50-$250 depending on the type of kit needed for your specific vehicle.
Labor Cost
The labor costs associated with lowering a car’s suspension will also vary greatly based on location, shop rates, and the extent of work involved. On average, you can expect to pay around $800 – $1200 in labor charges for installation services performed by professional mechanics at a reputable automotive shop. If you opt to DIY the installation, you can still expect to spend anywhere from 3-12 hours on this task depending on your experience, skill level, and access to proper tools.
It is important to note that while DIY lowering kits may be available, we strongly advise against installing suspension components yourself unless you have previous experience handling automotive projects. This will not only save time and money down the line but also ensure proper installation to guarantee optimum ride quality and safety for both drivers and passengers alike.
“A good car is reliable, performs well, has a safe and comfortable interior, looks great from the outside, is affordable to operate, and returns reasonable gas mileage.” – Dan Lohrmann
How much does it cost to lower a car? The price range of high-quality aftermarket parts and professional labor services associated with lowering a car suspension can vary widely, usually ranging between $1,500-$4,000 in total costs, including both parts and labor expenses. However, the higher upfront investment pays off as lowered cars offer several benefits such as improved handling, better cornering, a sleeker appearance, and most importantly, an overall enjoyable driving experience compared to factory settings.
Cost of Lowering a Car with Coilovers
Coilover Brand and Quality
The cost of lowering a car with coilovers varies greatly depending on the brand and quality of the coilovers you choose. There are many different brands available, each with their own unique features and pricing options.
A basic set of coilovers can range from $300 to $900. These typically provide a moderate drop in ride height and have adjustable dampening settings. However, higher-end coilovers from top brands can cost upwards of $2000 or more. These offer advanced features such as programmable dampening settings and custom spring rates, allowing for precise control over your vehicle’s suspension.
“The price of coilovers can vary widely depending on the brand and performance level desired.” -Car and Driver
Labor Cost
In addition to the cost of the coilovers themselves, you will need to factor in the cost of installation labor. The amount you will pay for labor largely depends on where you take your car to be serviced.
Average labor costs for installing coilovers typically range from $500 to $1000. Professional shops that specialize in aftermarket suspension modifications may charge even more. It is important to do your research beforehand and choose a reputable shop with experienced mechanics to ensure proper installation and prevent any potential damage to your vehicle.
“It is important to invest in professional installation when modifying your vehicle’s suspension. Improper installation can lead to serious safety issues while driving.” -Motor Trend
Additionally, certain vehicles may require additional modifications before coilovers can be installed. This can include replacing stock components such as shocks, struts, and sway bars to ensure proper fitment and alignment. These extra modifications can add significant additional costs to the overall project.
It is important to carefully consider both the cost of the coilovers and installation labor when planning a suspension modification. While higher-end coilovers may offer superior performance and adjustability, they also come with a much higher price tag. It may be more practical for some drivers to opt for a more affordable set of coilovers that still provide improved handling without breaking the bank.
“Before investing in high-end suspension components, consider your driving needs and budget. There are many options available at different price points that can provide significant improvements over stock suspension.” -CarBuzz
Cost of Lowering a Car with Springs
Spring Brand and Quality
The brand and quality of the springs can greatly affect the cost of lowering a car. Cheap springs may save you money initially, but they could end up costing more in the long run as they may wear out quicker or cause damage to other components of the car.
Better-quality springs from reputable brands will typically have higher price tags, but they are often worth the investment as they provide better performance, durability, and overall satisfaction.
“You get what you pay for when it comes to suspension upgrades. A budget-friendly set of lowering springs might be tempting, but if you want optimized handling characteristics without sacrificing ride comfort or safety, you’re going to need to invest in a good name-brand setup.” – Chris Amos, MotorTrend
A set of decent-quality lowering springs can range from $150 to $500. However, high-end springs made from premium materials like chrome-silicon alloy can exceed $1,000.
Labor Cost
Another factor that affects the cost of lowering a car is labor costs. Installing lowering springs requires removing the old ones and replacing them with the new ones. This process usually involves compressing the springs and working with tools that require expertise and experience.
Note: Lowering your car yourself is not recommended unless you possess proper mechanical knowledge and have access to adequate tools.
Labor charges vary depending on where you live and how experienced the mechanic or shop is. Typically, you can expect to pay around $300-$500 in labor for most vehicles. For high-performance or luxury cars, this price could increase significantly due to added complexities or the requirement of specialized tools.
“Installing lowering springs requires a bit of expertise or mechanical know-how to do properly. This is not one of the many jobs you can do in your own garage without much issue, but it’s also not too difficult for your average local mechanic.” – Colin Ryan, Carbibles
Additionally, if other components need replacement during the installation process, such as shock absorbers or struts, this will increase the labor costs.
The cost of lowering a car with springs may vary depending on the brand and quality of the springs chosen, as well as the make and model of the vehicle being lowered. The price can range from $150 to over $1,000 for the hardware alone. Labor charges are an additional expense that adds around $300-$500 to the total bill.
“For any kind of suspension modification project, I usually recommend giving yourself a rough target budget of about $2,000. That should cover everything you’ll need: parts, tools, professional help (if necessary), and some unexpected expenses that inevitably crop up along the way.” – Jason Fogelson, Forbes Wheels
Pros and Cons of Lowering Your Car
Pros:
Lowering your car can be a popular modification amongst car enthusiasts. Although it may not suit everyone’s taste, there are benefits to lowering your vehicle.
Better Handling
The most notable benefit of lowering the suspension of your vehicle is improved handling. By lowering your car, the center of gravity also lowers which means that less body roll will occur when cornering. This results in better grip on the road as well as an increased feeling of stability giving you more confidence behind the wheel.
“A lowered suspension will give the driver enhanced feedback from the car’s dynamics, resulting in greater control over weight transfer and therefore increased performance.” – Jim Morris, co-author of The Complete Book of Road, Race Technology
Improved Appearance
Another reason many drivers decide to lower their cars is for the improved appearance. A lowered car gives a sporty look by bringing it closer to the ground while also improving its aerodynamics. Not only does this provide a visual upgrade but may also increase fuel efficiency, reducing drag caused by air resistance creates a smoother airflow leading to reduced turbulence on the undercarriage of the vehicle.
Cons:
Although lowering a car has potential benefits, it’s not always a perfect modification, it might cause us some hardships as well.
Reduced Ride Comfort
A shorter distance between the tires and suspension system reduces the amount of compressible space available in the form of air or rubber within shocks and struts. What this means for drivers is that they’ll likely feel every bump and pothole in the road because the car doesn’t have as much shock absorption capacity causing almost imperceptible vibrations to become quite evident.
“Lowering a car means that you will have a reduced ride height, which reduces the distance between your wheels and the road surface itself, leading to less absorption for any bumps and unevenness on the tarmac” – Autozone blog.
Increased Risk of Bottoming Out
By lowering your car, you’ll also be reducing the ground clearance which can make driving over steeply angled hills or speed bumps more difficult as compared to cars with stock suspension set-up thus increasing the risk of scraping your undercarriage or bumper crossing up driveways, parking lot entrances, tall curbs and such. Hitting these obstacles with lowered cars generally results in expensive repairs like bent rims, cracked oil pans too deep scratches on body parts etc often costing an unsuspecting driver substantial amounts of money.
“A lower vehicle is subjected to closer scrutiny by police; it may incite crowd response, and increases the danger from negligently parked vehicles traveling at low speeds.” – safetyinfo.com
Lowering your car looks great and helps improve handling but comes with certain risks and limitations. Therefore, cost estimates play a helpful role in decision making when contemplating whether to lower your car or not. Careful consideration must be taken before proceeding with suspension modifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What factors affect the cost of lowering a car?
The cost of lowering a car can vary depending on several factors, including the type of suspension, the brand and quality of parts, and the labor involved. Additionally, the make and model of the car can also affect the cost, as some vehicles may require more specialized parts or tools to lower.
Is it more expensive to lower a car with coilovers or lowering springs?
Coilovers can be more expensive than lowering springs, as they offer more adjustability and can be customized to fit a specific vehicle and driving style. However, the cost difference may not be significant, and it ultimately depends on the specific brand and quality of the parts.
How much does it cost to have a professional lower your car?
The cost of having a professional lower your car can vary depending on the type of suspension, the brand and quality of parts, and the labor involved. On average, it can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,500 or more, depending on the complexity of the job and the experience of the mechanic.
What are the costs associated with installing air suspension to lower a car?
Installing air suspension can be more expensive than other methods of lowering a car, as it requires additional parts and labor. On average, it can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on the specific system and the complexity of the installation.
Are there any additional costs to consider when lowering a car, such as alignment or new tires?
Lowering a car can affect its alignment, which may require additional adjustments or even new parts. Additionally, lowering a car can also affect the wear and tear on tires, which may need to be replaced more frequently. These additional costs should be considered when deciding whether or not to lower a car.
Can you lower your car yourself to save money, and if so, what are the costs of the necessary tools and equipment?
Lowering a car yourself can be a cost-effective option, but it requires specialized tools and equipment that can be expensive to purchase or rent. The cost of these tools can vary, but on average, it can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,000 or more, depending on the specific tools and the complexity of the job.