There are plenty of aftermarket fads and trends, but lowered suspension just might be the kingpin. According to Allied Market Research, the market for suspension kits is expected to grow to $73.36 billion by 2027. It makes sense that the low-slung ride is on the rise. There are a plethora of tools now to customize every aspect of your car to your liking. Not to mention, many sports cars and new models come low profile out of the factory now due to the sleek appearance and smooth handling it gives. Of course, having a lowered car means doing a little extra maintenance to help extend the longevity of your ride. If you own a lowered car or are thinking about getting one, here are some vehicle maintenance essentials to keep your vehicle in good condition.
Swap Out The Shocks
The greatest risk to lowering the body below factory standard is having an increased chance of bottoming out. Speed bumps, curbs, or sharp increases in the road can cause some serious damage to the most sensitive parts of your car. That’s why one of the most paramount vehicle maintenance essentials for lowered car owners is to invest in some high-quality shocks or struts. This is especially important if you plan on lowering your car further than what’s recommended by most suspension kits. Investing in high-quality, performance shocks (and doing regular inspection and maintenance on them) can help prevent damage to your transmission, exhaust, and more.
Get A Low-Profile Car Ramp
Another maintenance essential is to have some low profile car ramps on hand. There are, of course, some ways you can jack up a low-profile car using stands or specialty jacks, but the easiest and most convenient thing is to have some ramps on hand. This gives you effortless access to the undercarriage. But what really makes having ramps essential is that you’ll need them if you ever must be towed. Tow trucks can’t pull lowered cars, which means you’ll need to be towed on a flatbed. But getting the car on a flatbed is a problem in and of itself, and if the company doesn’t have ramps on hand, you’ll be out of luck. Fortunately, low-profile ramps are quite inexpensive and can be thrown into the trunk whenever you might need them. You can even pull them out when pulling into a sharp-angled driveway. It might seem extra, but it’s worth it to avoid scratching the paint on your bumper alone!
Invest in A Camber Kit
Lowering the body puts additional stress on your tires and axels, oftentimes throwing off their alignment. A camber kit can help stabilize your wheels and keep them aligned. Even if you think your tires are fine, it’s good to have a tread depth gauge on hand. If you start to notice that your tread is uneven, it could be a sign of a bigger problem. It’s better to keep on top of your alignment than come into the garage with some seriously worn tires. A camber kit will not only save you the expense of replacing your tires so soon but improve the safety of your ride, too.
Whether your car model happens to sit lower on the ground, or you’ve customized it to be that way, you’ll enjoy a safer and smoother ride by staying on top of your vehicle maintenance. Planning and investing in the right kits will help you avoid costly repairs in the future (or even totaling your car).
