How high or low should your cars suspension be?
In the UK, car enthusiasts like to often lower their cars to improve their look or performance. Some people raise their cars, usually for off-road clearance. But is there a legal limit to how high or low your car can be?
The UK Highway Code states that your car should not be so low that it scrapes the ground and that the suspension should not be modified to such an extent that it affects the stability and handling of the vehicle.
What is the minimum and maximum car suspension limit?
The minimum car suspension limit is the legal ride height, which in the UK is 135mm. Often, cars will have a lower limit than this to allow for different tire sizes and loads. Car enthusiast often lowers their cars to improve the look or performance, but this can have negative consequences too.
For a car to be classified as "too low" it needs to have a suspension limit that is below the minimum legal ride height. This can cause problems with the car's aerodynamics, handling, and ground clearance. It can also make the car more difficult to get in and out of and increase the risk of damage to the underside of the car.
The maximum car suspension limit is the point at which the suspension reaches its full travel. This means that if you were to go over a bump, the wheels would move up as far as they can before hitting the body of the car. This is important for off-road vehicles as it allows them to clear obstacles. It is also important for track cars as it prevents the car from bottoming out and damaging the underside. So, as long as your car is within these limits, it should be fine. However, if you are planning on making any modifications, always check with a qualified mechanic first.
Suspension travel is limited by the design of the suspension and can be affected by aftermarket modifications. While there is no legal limit to how high or low your car can be, it is important to make sure that your suspension is within the manufacturer's recommendations. This will ensure that your car is safe to drive and won't cause any damage to the suspension components.
What are the penalties for going too high or low?
If you are caught driving with a car that is too low, you could be fined. In the UK, the minimum penalty is a £60 fine, but this could increase if your car is significantly below the legal limit.
For cars that are too high, there is no legal limit, but if your car is excessively high, it could be obscuring your vision and be classed as dangerous. In this case, you could be fined or even banned from driving.
How can you adjust your car's suspension?
If you want to adjust your car's suspension, it's best to take it to a qualified mechanic. They will be able to advise you on the best way to adjust your car's suspension, taking into account your car's make and model. They will also be able to carry out any necessary adjustments safely and correctly.
In summary, there is no legal limit to how high or low your car can be, but it is important to make sure that your car's suspension is within the manufacturer's recommendations. This will ensure that your car is safe to drive and won't cause any damage to the suspension components. If you are caught driving with a car that is too low, you could be fined. In the UK, the minimum penalty is a £60 fine, but this could increase if your car is significantly below the legal limit. For cars that are too high, there is no legal limit, but if your car is excessively high, it could be obscuring your vision and be classed as dangerous. In this case, you could be fined or even banned from driving.