How Do Coilovers Work?

If you're into cars, especially European ones, you’ve probably heard of coilovers. But what are they, and why do so many people install them? Let's break it down in a way that’s easy to understand.

A coilover is a single part that combines a spring and a shock absorber into one unit. This setup helps keep your car stable when you go over bumps or take corners. What makes coilovers special is that they can often be adjusted. You can change how high or low your car sits, and sometimes even how soft or stiff the ride feels. This gives you more control over how your car looks and drives.

People install coilovers for a few reasons. First, they make your car look better by lowering the stance, giving it that clean, aggressive appearance. But it’s not just about looks. Coilovers improve how your car handles. You’ll feel the difference on winding roads, sharp turns, or even in everyday driving. The car feels tighter, more planted, and more responsive (Some say the make your car ride like its on rails).

Most cars come from the factory with what’s called MacPherson style suspension. It’s soft and comfy, but unless your vehicle is a dedicated sports car or race car, they are not all built for performance. Coilovers are made for people who want more from their car: better handling, a lower ride height, or just more control overall. Think of stock suspension like regular shoes and coilovers like performance sneakers built for action.

Now, let’s talk about brands. If you're shopping for coilovers, you’ve probably come across KW Suspension and Yellow Speed Racing. KW is one of the most trusted names out there. Made in Germany, their coilovers are high quality, built to last, and offer advanced features. They cost more, but you're paying for precision and long-term durability.

Yellow Speed Racing is a more budget-friendly choice. You still get good features like height and damping adjustability, but the materials and finish aren’t quite at the KW level. That said, for enthusiasts who want solid performance at a lower price point, they’re a great place to start.

If you drive a newer European car like a BMW, Mercedes, or Audi, there's something else to keep in mind. Many of these vehicles come with electronic suspension systems from the factory. If you replace them with coilovers, you might see error codes on your dash unless you add an electronic damping controller delete module. This small add-on prevents those warning lights and keeps your car’s computer happy.

After installation, the job isn’t done. You absolutely need to get an alignment. This makes sure your wheels are pointed correctly and that your tires wear evenly. If you skip this step, your car might pull to one side, handle poorly, or wear out tires faster than expected.

Another step to consider is corner balancing. This process adjusts the weight at each wheel so your car handles evenly, especially during turns. It’s a must for track cars, but even daily drivers can feel the difference. We’ll cover that in more detail in our next blog.

Can you install coilovers yourself? If you have the right tools and know-how, it’s possible. But if you're unsure, it's smart to let a shop with experience handle it. Getting the fitment, ride height, and alignment right makes a big difference in how your car performs.

When picking coilovers, think about how you use your car. Is it a daily driver, a weekend toy, or a track machine? Your goals should guide your choice. And always make sure the kit matches your exact chassis—fitment is everything.

At the end of the day, coilovers give your car better looks, better handling, and a more connected feel. Whether you’re going high-end with KW or starting with Yellow Speed Racing, installing the right setup the right way can transform your driving experience.

Want to learn more? Check out this awesome video from Donut Media on their comparison of cheap vs expensive coilovers!