Lowering is the fastest way to change how your car looks and drives, and it changes what wheels and tires fit. Here is what each option does and what to plan for.
Your options
| Setup | Typical drop | Adjustable | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lowering springs | About 1 to 1.5 in | No | Daily drivers that want less gap on a budget |
| Coilovers | Adjustable, often 1 to 3 in | Height, and often damping | Spirited driving, track days, flush fitments |
| Air suspension | Adjustable on the fly | Height at the push of a button | Show builds and the lowest parked stance |
Lowering springs
Springs are the simplest upgrade. They work with your factory shocks, cut fender gap and reduce body roll. Very large drops on factory shocks wear them out faster, so many people pair springs with performance shocks or struts.
Coilovers
A coilover combines the spring and shock in one adjustable unit. You set the ride height, and on most kits you can adjust damping. Many kits include camber plates up front, which help fit wider, lower-offset wheels.
Air suspension
Air struts replace the springs with air bags. You can drop the car to the ground when parked and raise it for driveways and speed bumps. It needs a compressor, tank and management system, so it costs more and takes longer to install.
What lowering changes for wheel fitment
- Negative camber increases as the car goes down. The top of the tire tilts in, which can help clear the fender but wears the inner edge of the tire if it is not aligned.
- The fender comes down onto the tire. Wider tires and lower offsets may need a fender roll at a big drop.
- Suspension travel shrinks. Keep the bump stops in place and do not go so low the tire hits the liner over bumps.
Our Fitment Finder adjusts its results for stock, lowering springs, coilovers or air, so the wheels you see match your height.
Plan for these too
Not sure how low to go with the wheels you want? Send us your car and the setup you are planning. We'll check it for free: free fitment consultation.