Bangkok: On social media, automotive enthusiasts have been discussing the drawbacks of lowering cars by cutting springs, highlighting issues such as reduced suspension travel and loss of spring elasticity. According to Thai News Agency, these concerns are indeed valid. The method of cutting original springs to lower a vehicle, while cost-effective, poses significant risks to both vehicle performance and safety.
Verified by Suramis Charoenngam, an automotive technology tester and expert, the disadvantages of cutting car springs are numerous and severe. Firstly, reduced suspension travel results in a noticeably stiffer ride. Automotive springs, made from high-carbon steel, are designed with specific properties to retain shape and compress effectively. Cutting these springs alters their engineering properties, leading to reduced shock absorption and a harsher ride.
Secondly, the spring loses its elasticity, causing damage to its structure. Removing a coil reduces the spring's ability to absorb force, placing undue stress on the remaining coils and diminishing shock absorption efficiency. Additionally, altering the steel structure by reshaping the spring head with heat can make the steel brittle, increasing the risk of the spring breaking while the vehicle is in motion, posing a significant safety hazard.
Furthermore, cutting springs can lead to issues such as shock absorber bottoming out and loss of vehicle stability. When the spring is shortened without adjusting the shock absorber shaft length, the shock absorber's travel range becomes compromised. This mismatch can lead to the shock absorber bottoming out, transmitting impact directly to the steering wheel and passenger compartment, making the vehicle difficult to control, especially on rough terrain.
Lastly, there is a risk of the spring dislodging from its socket. In certain suspension systems, a spring that has been cut too short may dislodge during full suspension extension, such as when driving over a bridge at speed. This can cause the vehicle to lose control, potentially leading to a rollover accident.
In summary, while cutting springs may appear to be a budget-friendly option for lowering a car, the associated disadvantages in terms of performance, maintenance costs, and safety risks make it an unwise choice. For those wishing to adjust their vehicle's ride height, investing in properly engineered and tested components, such as model-specific lowering springs or adjustable coilover kits, is advised to ensure both safety and performance.