Are coilovers worth it for daily driving?

Coilovers can improve handling and let you tailor ride height, but their value for daily use depends on your priorities, budget, and willingness to trade comfort for performance. For many daily drivers, street-focused coilovers offer a solid balance, while those who prioritize a plush ride or lower maintenance costs may prefer simpler setups.

What coilovers are and how they differ

Coilovers combine a coil spring with a shock absorber in a single assembly and often provide ride-height adjustment and, in some cases, damping adjustability. They come in a range of configurations designed for street use and for track-level performance. The following overview highlights the key differences you’ll encounter when shopping for daily-driver coilovers.

Key terms to know

Monotube vs twin-tube: different damper construction and heat management; damping adjustment: how much control you have over rebound and compression; reservoir: additional oil capacity for cooling; spring rates and valving: determine ride and handling characteristics.

• Ride-height adjustability lets you raise or lower the car to suit street clearance, looks, or load conditions.


• Damping adjustability (where available) lets you tune how the car settles after a bump and how it resists body roll in corners.


• Types span street-oriented, comfort-focused units to track-oriented setups; monotube designs are common for performance, while twin-tube units can be smoother at lower speeds.


• Build quality, valving, and compatibility with your car’s suspension geometry influence ride comfort, reliability, and tire wear.


• Intended use varies; “street” coilovers aim for daily usability, while “track” options prioritize cornering stability and control at the expense of comfort.

Understanding these points helps buyers pick a setup that fits daily driving needs and budget.

Pros for daily driving

For drivers who spend most days on regular roads but still want improved handling or a customizable stance, coilovers offer several potential benefits.

• Enhanced handling and steering feedback due to improved control of body movement and more predictable responses in corners.


• Ride-height customization to accommodate load changes, speed bumps, or reduced wheel gap for a sportier look, while preserving clearance if set appropriately.


• Adjustable damping (in models that offer it) allows you to tune comfort versus control to suit daily roads and weather conditions.


• Broader setup options can accommodate different wheel/tire combinations, potentially enabling better grip and tire wear management when aligned properly.

When chosen with care and properly calibrated, street-oriented coilovers can improve daily driving without turning the car into a rough-riding beast.

Cons and caveats for daily driving

There are important drawbacks to weigh before committing to a coilover upgrade for daily use.

• Ride quality can become stiffer, especially on rough roads or with aggressive damping settings, reducing daily comfort for some drivers.


• Higher upfront costs and ongoing maintenance, including potential alignment checks and eventual coilover service or replacement parts.


• Height changes alter suspension geometry; an annual or semi-annual alignment may be necessary as you adjust ride height or aftermarket components wear.


• Lower ride height increases the risk of bottoming out, scraping, and wheel/rim damage on potholes or steep driveways.


• Quality and longevity vary; cheaper units may leak or sag over time, and service networks for certain brands can affect long-term ownership experience.

These trade-offs mean many daily drivers opt for well-reviewed, street-oriented coilovers and plan for proper installation and regular maintenance.

How to choose the right coilovers for daily driving

Use these guidelines to select a setup that preserves comfort while delivering improved stability and handling for everyday use.

Budgeting and installation

Set a realistic budget that includes the kit, professional installation if needed, and an alignment. Don’t forget ongoing costs for servicing and potential repairs.

• Prioritize street-oriented coilovers with comfortable valving and a wide, usable adjustment range.


• Consider damping adjustability only if you expect to tune the setup for varying road conditions and seasons.


• Choose a reputable brand with good warranty coverage and a service network to minimize ownership hassles.


• Ensure compatibility with your wheels, brakes, and fender clearance to avoid rubbing after lowering.

Proper selection and installation are essential to achieving a balance between comfort and control on a daily basis.

Alternatives to coilovers for daily driving

If coilovers don’t align with your priorities, these options can still improve daily usability without a full coilover upgrade.

• Quality OEM-style dampers paired with modest springs that preserve daily comfort while offering some performance gains.


• Performance springs matched to a compatible damper set to maintain tuned handling without extreme stiffness.


• Air suspension or adaptive suspension systems that provide height adjustability on demand, at higher cost and complexity.


• Suspension enhancements such as upgraded sway bars, bushings, and alignment optimization to improve stability without changing ride height.

These alternatives can offer meaningful improvements with potentially lower risk to daily drivability and maintenance.

Summary

Coilovers can be worth it for daily driving when you value enhanced handling, a customizable stance, and the ability to tailor damping to your road conditions, and you’re prepared for higher upfront costs and some comfort trade-offs. For drivers who prioritize a plush ride, straightforward maintenance, and a simpler ownership experience, stock suspension or more modest upgrades may be preferable. The best approach is to select a street-oriented coilover kit from a reputable brand, have it installed by a professional if needed, and pair it with a proper alignment and ongoing maintenance plan.

What are the downsides of coilovers?

The main disadvantages of coilovers are higher cost, a potentially stiff or uncomfortable ride if not set up correctly, and complex installation that may require professional expertise. Additionally, they can reduce suspension travel and ground clearance, leading to a harsh ride if the vehicle is lowered too much, and some cheaper designs may be less durable under stress. 
Cost and installation

• High upfront cost: Quality coilovers are more expensive than standard or lowering spring setups.
• Expensive installation: Proper installation and adjustment require technical skill and can add to the overall cost. 

Ride quality and performance

• Stiff ride: If not properly adjusted, coilovers can result in a harsh and uncomfortable ride, especially with incorrect spring rates or low-quality components. 
• Reduced suspension travel: Lowering the vehicle's ride height reduces the available suspension travel, which can lead to the suspension hitting bump stops more often. 
• Potential for poor handling: Improper installation can compromise the car's handling and performance, making it less predictable, particularly on uneven surfaces. 

Durability and maintenance

• Durability concerns: Cheaper "sleeve-type" or low-quality coilovers may fail under harsh conditions, leading to safety issues. 
• Maintenance needs: They can require more frequent maintenance, such as periodic inspections and lubrication, to maintain optimal performance. 
• Limited lifespan: While some high-quality coilovers can last 50,000 to 100,000 miles with proper care, they eventually need to be rebuilt, which can be costly. 

Clearance and fitment

• Space requirements: Some coilover designs can be bulky, taking up more space and potentially interfering with other components like sway bars or electrical wiring. 
• Contact with other parts: If incorrectly installed, coilovers can make contact with other parts of the car, such as tires, or cause damage to other components. 

Should I get coilovers for daily driving?

So it depends on what you do. IMHO Stock suspension is good for daily driving and some spirited fun and gives you decent comfortability. If you go coilovers you'll end up with a harder ride but less body roll allowing you to push the vehicle harder when tracking.

How many miles do coilovers last?

Coilovers typically last between 50,000 and 100,000 miles for daily driving, but their lifespan varies significantly based on factors like driving conditions, maintenance, and quality. For those who track their cars, service intervals are much shorter, often recommending a rebuild every 15,000 to 30,000 miles. 
Factors influencing lifespan

• Driving style: Harsh driving, track use, and autocross will shorten the lifespan of coilovers compared to a daily driver. 
• Maintenance: Regular maintenance, such as cleaning and lubricating moving parts, can extend the life of coilovers. 
• Quality: Higher-end coilovers, such as those with monotube designs, can have a longer service life. 
• Environment: Exposure to harsh weather, like salt from winter roads, can also impact longevity. 

Signs that coilovers need service or replacement

• Leaking fluid: Any visible fluid leaking from the shock body is a sign of a blown seal.
• Damaged bushings: Worn or torn bushings can indicate a blown shock.
• Worn dust boots: A ripped dust boot lets in dirt and grime, which can damage the internal components.
• Blowing out bump stops: If bump stops are chewed up or worn, they are not functioning properly and may need replacement. 

Maintenance and rebuilding

• Service intervals: Manufacturers like Feal Suspension recommend servicing coilovers every 50,000 miles for street use or every 1,000 miles for race cars. 
• Where to get service: Coilovers can be serviced by specialty shops, the manufacturers themselves, or even local racers. 
• Rebuilding: Rebuilding is often a more cost-effective option than replacing them, especially for used coilovers. 

Are lowering springs or coilovers better for daily driving?

For daily driving, lowering springs are generally the more practical choice due to their lower cost and simpler installation, while still providing a more comfortable ride and improved handling compared to stock suspension. Coilovers are a more expensive, high-performance option that is better suited for those who want to fine-tune their ride height, stiffness, and other settings, but they often result in a stiffer ride and can be more complex to install and set up correctly. 
You can watch this video to learn the differences between lowering springs and coilovers: 58sSD WheelYouTube · Jun 4, 2021
Lowering springs

• Pros:
  • More comfortable ride: They are designed to work with the car's original damping system, which is optimized for everyday driving, resulting in a smoother experience. 
  • Lower cost: They are significantly cheaper than coilovers. 
  • Simpler installation: The installation process is generally more straightforward and less time-consuming. 
• Cons:
  • Less adjustable: You cannot adjust the ride height or damping settings. 
  • Potential for premature wear: They can cause increased wear on the stock shock absorbers. 
  • Limited lowering: The amount of lowering is predetermined by the spring's design, typically between 30mm and 45mm. 

Coilovers

• Pros:
  • High adjustability: You can adjust the ride height, damping (stiffness), and sometimes even camber, allowing for a customized setup. 
  • Improved performance: They can offer superior handling on smooth surfaces, especially when properly tuned. 
• Cons:
  • Harsher ride: Even high-quality coilovers can result in a stiffer ride than lowering springs, especially those with a more performance-oriented focus. 
  • Higher cost: They are more expensive than lowering springs. 
  • Complex setup: Achieving the ideal settings can require more knowledge and be time-consuming. 

This video explains how coilovers can offer more adjustability and performance: 59sDrive Tune MediaYouTube · Mar 7, 2018
Which should you choose for daily driving?

• Choose lowering springs if: You want a simple and affordable way to lower your car for aesthetics and improved handling without a significant sacrifice in ride comfort. 
• Choose coilovers if: You prioritize fine-tuning your car's suspension for specific performance goals and are willing to invest more time and money into the installation and setup.