What Every Driver Should Know About Coil Springs

Does your morning drive feel like you’re riding a shopping cart down a gravel road? Your car’s screaming for help, and something you’ve probably never thought about is the culprit: coil springs.

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The unsung heroes of your suspension system, coil springs keep your ride from turning into a bouncy castle. The bodyguards between you and every bump, crack, and pothole, they make sure you don’t feel every pebble like you ran over a brick. So, let’s break down why your car would be an absolute mess without them, what coil springs actually do, and how they do it.

What Are Coil Springs and How Do They Work?

Think of your car’s suspension system like a bridge between you and the chaotic road beneath. And coil springs? They’re the sturdy pillars holding that bridge together, making sure your ride doesn’t feel like you’re driving through a construction zone. These springs work alongside shock absorbers, absorbing every bump, dip, and crack, so you don’t have to feel it.

Picture coil springs as super-strong, tightly wound metal coils—kind of like giant metal slinkies. When you hit a bump, the springs compress, soaking up that energy instead of letting it rattle your car’s body. They keep your ride smooth and help maintain control, especially when you’re zooming down the highway. Without them, every road trip would feel like a long, shaky rollercoaster.

And not all coil springs play by the same rules. Linear springs? They’re consistent, giving you the same level of firmness all the time—steady and reliable. But progressive springs? They’re the ones that toughen up as things get rougher. The more pressure they get, the firmer they become, making them perfect for heavier loads or those sharper turns. It’s like your suspension system knows when to go soft and when to flex its muscles.

What are the Signs of Worn or Damaged Coil Springs?

Although coil springs are built to last, time and wear eventually take their toll. Because of age, high mileage, and rough road conditions, your springs may weaken. But how can you tell if they’re on the decline? Some clear signs could indicate it's time to get them checked.

When your car rides lower on one side, a broken or sagging spring may be the cause. This issue becomes pretty obvious—your car will look like it's got a permanent slouch. As soon as you notice an uneven ride height, it’s time to take action.

If your car leans excessively while taking turns, weak springs are likely the culprit. That "hugging the road" feeling can feel dramatic and unstable when the springs lose their strength. Fix this early to avoid further suspension issues down the road.

In case your drive feels rougher than usual, worn springs may be the problem. They’re less effective at absorbing shocks and vibrations, leaving you to feel every bump and crack in the pavement. Over time, this roughness only gets worse if ignored.

Should you notice uneven tire wear, particularly on the outside edges, your coil springs might be failing to hold up your vehicle properly. This can lead to premature tire wear and costly replacements.

Spot any of these signs? Visit your auto technician before things get worse—it could save you a lot of trouble and money later.

Why is Regular Coil Spring Maintenance Important?

Maintaining your coil springs isn’t just about keeping your ride smooth—it keeps you safe and your car operating at its best.

Because safety becomes a concern when handling and stability are compromised, worn springs need attention. Losing control of your vehicle becomes a real danger if a spring fails while driving, potentially leading to accidents or injuries. To avoid that risk, make sure you monitor your suspension system before it gets to that point.

Since poor coil spring maintenance affects performance, things like handling, braking, and tire wear can all take a hit. When the springs are in great shape, your car handles more efficiently, making daily drives feel smoother and more reliable.

While replacing coil springs is an investment, bigger expenses can result from neglecting them. Damaged springs can mess with other parts of your suspension system, which could lead to even pricier repairs down the road. By keeping your springs in good condition, you’ll protect your car and save money on future repairs.

So, keeping an eye on your coil springs not only ensures safety but also improves performance and helps you save money in the long run.

Is It Worth It to Replace Coil Springs Yourself?

Before you dive in, consider whether tackling a coil spring replacement yourself is really worth it. Rolling up your sleeves and handling your car repair can feel great, but some jobs might be better left to the pros.

Because skipping the auto shop means cutting out labor costs, doing the job yourself can definitely be a win for your wallet. And let’s face it, the satisfaction of fixing something with your own hands is unbeatable. You’ll likely tell everyone you know, "Yeah, I did that."

However, when you’re dealing with coil springs, you aren’t just swapping out a set of wiper blades. This is a tricky task that demands special tools and solid knowledge. To handle it properly, you need more than just a basic wrench. Also, safety becomes a big concern. Improper installation can leave your car sagging like a lopsided chair—or worse, create real safety hazards on the road.

So, ask yourself the hard questions. Do you have the tools and the expertise? Or would it be better to let someone else take over? If you're unsure, saving yourself the stress and potential mistakes by hiring a pro might just be the wiser move.

How Do You Choose the Right Coil Springs?

Choosing the right coil springs for your car isn’t just a quick trip down the parts aisle—it’s more like finding the perfect pair of shoes. You’ve got to think about fit, comfort, and durability, because grabbing the wrong ones could make for a pretty uncomfortable ride.

First off, start by figuring out what kind of ride you’re dealing with. Your vehicle type dictates the springs it needs. Driving a sports car? Stiffer springs might be your new best friend, helping you handle those sharp turns with precision. But if you’re cruising around in a family sedan, softer springs will feel like a cozy pillow, keeping your ride smooth and easy. Don’t just grab a one-size-fits-all option; your car deserves better.

If you drive like you're auditioning for a Fast & Furious sequel, consider stiffer springs. But for those who prefer a calm Sunday drive feel, softer springs will match your vibe. How you drive plays a bigger role than you think—don’t sleep on it.

For those who frequently haul heavy loads, load capacity is another thing to keep in mind. Your springs need to pull their weight (literally), so stronger ones are essential to keep everything balanced.

When it comes to choosing between OEM springs and aftermarket options, each has its perks. OEM springs keep things like the factory intended—safe and sound. Aftermarket springs, though, could give your car a little performance boost, maybe for less cash. The choice is yours—just don’t skimp on quality.

And above all, stick with quality brands that stand by their products. Your car’s safety, performance, and lifespan are on the line, so don’t settle for cheap, no-name springs.

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Are There Ways to Upgrade Coil Springs?

Looking to crank up your car’s performance or give it that head-turning look? Upgrading your coil springs might just be the game-changer you need.

Since stiffer coil springs act like your car’s secret weapon, tight cornering and body roll stay in check. You’ll notice a more controlled, responsive feel as the road becomes something you handle effortlessly. If comfort is more your style, though, softer springs are the way to go. These will smooth out every bump, giving you a cloud-like ride that makes even rough roads feel easy.

Because coil springs adjust more than just handling, your car’s height can be tweaked too. Go with taller springs and a lift kit if you're dreaming of off-road adventures or want to boost your towing game. If low and sleek is the vibe you're after, a lowering kit gives your car a cool, road-hugging stance, while improving your handling at the same time.

Since rushing into a spring upgrade isn’t a great idea, match your choice to your car and specific needs. Talking with a suspension expert or trusted auto technician ensures you pick the right springs. You’ll not only upgrade your car—you’ll level up your whole driving experience.

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Automotive suspension performs what is arguably one of the most important functions on a vehicle. Driving a vehicle without some sort of suspension would be impossible. That being said, the suspension is also one of the most tunable parts of your car. The order of suspension parts upgrades almost always starts with coil springs. However, that doesn’t mean that searching and finding the right parts is all there is to coil springs. There’s so much more to it. How do you choose the right coil springs from the vast catalog of available models? What are spring rates, linear and progressive springs? Let’s find out.

Intro to Coil Springs

The main purpose of automotive suspension is to keep the wheels on the ground at all times. That job is much harder than it sounds. Without suspension, every time you hit a bump or any form of road surface imperfection, your wheels would jump off the ground, thus losing grip. Depending on how fast you’re moving, that bounce could be catastrophic.

There are two main parts to any suspension system – a coil spring and a shock absorber. The latter is there to soak up the kinetic energy of a wheel that has just rolled over an obstacle, hence the name. The former is there to push the wheel back down towards the road surface, thus ensuring that your tires are constantly in contact with the road.

How do Coil Springs Work?

The idea behind coil springs is a fairly simple one. You have a piece of metal wire that is wound in a coil spring. Coil springs are designed to be compressed, which ties into the subject of coil spring rates that we’ll discuss later on. The way coil springs compress can determine how stiff your ride will be and much more.

That being said, there is a lot that goes into building coil springs. Some top manufacturers, such as Lesjofors, have pushed material sciences to a whole new level. The same applies to the engineering aspect and a whole array of other processes that need to work together for a quality coil spring to be produced.

Aftermarket vs. OEM

Coil springs, much like most other mechanical vehicle components, wear out over time. The endless cycles of compression and expansion will bring any spring to its knees, no matter how well it is made or who made it.

Once that happens, you’re presented with two choices: either get OEM replacement springs or a set of aftermarket replacement springs that offer a different driving experience. If you choose the latter, there are a few things you should figure out first. One is spring rates, and the other is linear vs. progressive spring profile.

What is a Spring Rate?

Spring rate or spring compression rate is a measurement that tells you how much weight you need to apply to a spring to compress it. It is usually measured in kilograms per mm or pounds per inch, depending on who makes the springs. When you see a 10k rating on a spring, that means that you’ll need to apply 10 kilograms of weight to compress the spring 1 mm.

In practical terms, spring rate help define the stiffens of coil springs. The more weight you need to apply to spring to compress it, the stiffer it will be. An increase in stiffness translates to reduced body roll, squatting under acceleration, and nosediving during braking. All of these are associated with better handling. However, there is a limit.

Progressive Springs vs. Linear Springs

Setting up a vehicle for the track is a complicated job, but it is guided by a set of available and proven rules. These rules help when you’re trying to find the right path and the right parts. Setting up a vehicle for street use with an occasional track day is a much taller order, especially suspension wise.

Linear Springs

The reason for this is simple. Track cars are almost always sitting on linear springs. Linear springs offer the exact same spring rate throughout their range of travel.

This means that you can always anticipate how your suspension will behave on the track under different driving conditions. However, linear springs are often way too stiff for street use. No matter how big of a car enthusiast you are, riding on stiff linear springs in the city gets very old, very fast.

Progressive Springs

One of the solutions is to use progressive springs. Progressive springs have a variable spring rate depending on how far they’re compressed. The idea behind progressive springs is to offer relative comfort at lower speeds but increase the stiffness at higher speeds.

The problem with progressive springs is that you can’t anticipate their performance. Once pushed hard, you’ll definitely notice the change between the different spring rates as the coil springs go through their available range of motion. There are progressive springs that are better optimized in this regard, but most of them suffer from the same problem.

Can Springs Be Too Stiff?

They absolutely can, and it’s not just about comfort either! Most of those who are new to vehicle mods think that getting the stiffest possible springs is the way to go. However, that approach is usually counterproductive. As mentioned before, the primary purpose of your springs is to keep the wheel in contact with the road and prevent it from jumping around.

A spring with a lower compression rate will compress more when a wheel hits something on the road. Being able to compress means that your wheel can negotiate the obstacle and adapt to the anomaly while maintaining some amount of grip. As soon as the wheel is over the bump, it will jump, and the springs will expand to compensate.

When you install springs that are too stiff, you’re essentially preventing the suspension from soaking up the bump. Instead, when the wheel hits a bump, the spring won’t compress, and you’ll have a wheel that is catching air. As we all know, an airborne wheel offers exactly no grip at all.

How to Figure Out The Right Spring Rate for Your Car?

If you thought that finding the right spring rate for your vehicle is going to be easy, you better turn back now. Whenever you’re dealing with suspension tuning, ‘easy’ flies out the window pretty much immediately.

The first thing you should understand is that the spring rate is just one of the variables in a much larger equation. Many different factors are at play when it comes to tuning the suspension and getting the most amount of grip.

Things such as sprung weight of the car, suspension geometry, wheel size and rate, flexibility of your chassis, the damping rate of your shocks all need to work together in unison.

There is a silver lining to this story, though. Specific vehicle models such as the BMW M3 or similar iconic cars are no longer a mystery as far as suspension tuning goes. There is enough material out there to help you dial in your suspension without having to spend lots of time and money figuring things out on the go.

Decisions

Figuring out the right set of coil springs is tough but not impossible. The point of this guide wasn’t to put you off from getting shorter, stiffer springs. Instead, our intended point was to show you just how complicated this job is if you want to do it the right way.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of heavy duty tension springs. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.