If you drive over high bumps and uneven terrain then it’s time to increase vehicle ground clearance.
One major reason for this is that a higher car ground clearance improves vehicle aesthetics. For example the wheel spacers increase the distance between your wheels and the fenders.
If you are importing, then the vehicle ground clearance specs adapt to the manufacturer’s country. So you will need a little adjustments.
Vehicle height is important in relation to the road terrain. For example, extremely low vehicles driving over high bumps might cause damage to the following parts;
- Transmission.
- Control arms.
- Differential.
Changes to the vehicle ground clearance have different effects. For example handling, comfort and load weight support.
Hence the reason we recommend using a professional for such services. Though sometimes most manufacturers give a recommendation for the vehicle’s height change.
Depending on the car, there are a bunch of other things you need to consider before altering the vehicle ground clearance.
- Insurance.
- Vehicle sensors.
- Lane Keep systems.
- Collision avoidance systems.
After taking these into consideration, then you can increase vehicle ground clearance through these ways.
Methods of increasing ground clearance.
The goal here is to be able to improve load weight support at a higher wheel spacing. By wheel spacing we mean that you have to consider the distance between the wheels and the vehicle body.
There are several ways of increasing car ground clearance.
a] New coil overs.
Coils are part of the vehicles suspension system.
By installing stiffer shocks and coil springs you are able to increase ground clearance.
Alternatively, you can use coil spacers under the installed coil springs or other types of vehicle springs.
A notable increase in the vehicle’s height will result from this type of vehicle modification.
b] Tire and rim size
Manufacturers make vehicles with height adjustment in mind.
Hence the reason some models have specified height adjustment recommendations.
This is as far as the tire and rim size are concerned.
As a driver, before adjusting the sizes of tires and rims, it is important to consider the driving conditions.
Mostly because different sizes of rims and tires can operate well under diverse roads.
Try referring to manufacturers’ recommended configurations before undertaking this increase of vehicle ground clearance.
Make sure not to go beyond the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure that your vehicle can handle the increase in vehicle ground clearance.
Further, note that such a modification will have an effect on performance and efficiency.
This effect is felt during acceleration.
c] Suspension modifications.
Undertaking a suspension upgrade requires you to understand the parts of the suspension. So that you can add your input with the goal of increasing the ground clearance.
[I] Suspension springs.
A suspension system upgrade will call for a change in the suspension springs. Remember that there are different types of suspension springs.
Some are best for the front suspension system parts while others are more suitable to the rear suspension. With this knowledge in mind, there will be an ease in undertaking an increase in ground clearance.
[II] Shock absorbers.
Secondly, the shock absorbers must come to mind when undertaking a suspension modification. The shock absorbers are important parts of the suspension system that help to dampen vibrations.
Further, the different types of shock absorber springs also help to reduce the spring rate. Hence providing a more comfortable ride on bumpy roads.
Suspension modifications are more labor intensive in comparison to lift kits. Another suspension modification that you can undertake is upgrading the control arm.
This will offer you better vehicle control and handling even during corner negotiation.
d] Wheel spacers.
Have you ever seen the cars whose wheels appear to be sticking outwards? Well that’s the effect of using wheel spacers.
The wheel spacers tend to move the wheels outwards from the car’s body. Hence creating a space between the tires and the fenders.
Most people do this for the purpose of improving aesthetics rather than to increase vehicle ground clearance. That’s because wheel spacers give the appearance of a higher vehicle ground clearance.
But they do not increase the distance between the car and the ground.
e] Air suspension.
This is one of the latest car suspension system technology. That’s why it isn’t commonly used in most cars. The air suspension system parts are common in high end vehicles.
Further, air suspension can be utilized in improving car ground clearance. Parts of the air suspension are inclusive of compressors, springs, bellows and pistons amongst others.
The driver can adjust the car’s ground clearance as per his/her will. They do this by using the compressor which pumps air pressure into the bellows through the tubes.
Afterwards, this increases the spacing between the wheels and the vehicle’s body. Hence raising the car’s ground clearance.
f] Suspension lift kit.
This method of increasing vehicle ground clearance will improve height by 2 or 3 inches.
This will ensure that the vehicle is able to leap over bumps and pavement barriers without any scratches underneath.
Further the suspension lift kit gives an allowance for you to install bigger tires and rims.
Once these are coupled together, the vehicles ground clearance will change significantly.
Make sure you research local laws concerning vehicle ground clearance.
Additionally, ensure that you are familiar with your insurance provider requirements concerning the same.
Tips for raising ground clearance on a car.
Here are some of the important things that you will consider when you’re increasing your car’s ground clearance.
a] Compatibility.
There are several things you will have to change concerning the vehicle. Ensure that you seek professional advice about whether those things are compatible to your vehicle before doing them.
For example, some lift kits are designed to be suitable for specific vehicles. On the other hand, there are others which are universal.
b] Lift height.
This involves you considering the lift height that you need for your vehicle. There are lift kits that are designed to offer a small amount of ground clearance and others a higher height improvement.
Your will depend on factors such as your budget, insurance terms and the government rules set concerning vehicle ground clearance.
c] Quality.
The quality of the materials that make up the lift kits will vary from one to another. This quality will affect the lifespan of the lift kit.
Further, the quality will also have an effect on reliability. Read some reviews of the best lift kits before you decide the one you’re going to purchase.
