All vehicles have a suspension system consisting of shock absorbers, springs and linkages connecting the car to its wheels. Suspension systems allow the car and wheels to move in tandem and control maneuvering and braking.
The springs within a suspension system support the automobile’s weight, absorb bumps and navigate across uneven surfaces.
Leaf springs and coil springs are the two most common types of suspension systems.
Coil springs are — as the name suggests — coils. They are flexible but rigid and sit on top of your vehicle’s axle. They collect and then release the car’s energy. Coil springs are common on trucks and other vehicles with above-average speed and power. They may be found in both the front and rear of newer automobiles, but most older ones outfitted with coil springs only have them in the front.
Leaf springs are standard in many types of vehicles, from SUVs to vans. You may have a single-leaf configuration or a multi-leaf setup, which consists of multiple long, curved strips that vary in length. A central bolt connects them. Leaf springs are usually in the rear of a car and keep a ride comfortable by absorbing shock.
Leaf springs have been around since 1804 when they were used to suspend horse-drawn carts. Many consider them outdated since they’re not found on most contemporary performance vehicles, but experts predict an increase in their compound annual growth rate. Coil springs and leaf springs have advantages and disadvantages. Deciding which suspension system works best depends on your car, budget and needs.
Coil springs work best for performance vehicles like trucks or even city trams because they’re more flexible than leaf spring systems. Coil springs’ flexibility helps navigate challenging terrain. Despite this advantage, coil springs do not handle heavy loads as well, so they are not well-suited for heavy vehicles. They also tend to be more costly to install.
Leaf springs are easier to install and their function of supporting the axle is straightforward. These advantages are part of the reason they’re the more common system. They also support greater weight.
Leaf springs don’t deal with difficult drives as well as coil springs. Their rigidity means they can’t always connect the wheels to the ground, an important aspect when driving on tough terrain. Leaf springs are also securely attached to the vehicle’s rear frame, making them hard to adjust.
It’s always worthwhile to consider a vehicle system’s maintenance needs. Regularly monitoring and cleaning your springs — regardless of what type of system you have — is essential. Dirt and debris buildup can impact your spring’s functioning.
To clean your springs at home, start by using a pair of jack stands to raise one end of your car and removing the wheels. Elevating the vehicle will put less weight on the springs, making them easier to clean. Use brake cleaner or a scrub brush to remove buildup. You can also use a homemade solution of soap or white vinegar mixed with water. If your springs aren’t too dirty, water alone might do the trick. If you are dealing with more extreme dirt, use a degreasing solvent. Spray it on the springs or apply it using a brush.
To understand which system is best for you, consider the type of driving you do most often.
Leaf springs work well in stop-and-go traffic, so they’re a practical choice if commuting is part of your daily life. They also protect your vehicle from shock that occurs as a result of consistent braking or failing to slow down at speed bumps. Leaf springs make a ride more comfortable for both passengers and the driver. They can decrease the sideways movement of cars going over gravel roads.
If you’re an off-road driver, coil springs are your best bet. Their flexibility helps your vehicle raise and lower, which is essential if you’re driving on uneven ground, a common scenario in off-roading. Even though leaf springs can handle a large amount of weight, coil springs allow high-performance vehicles to carry heavy items without lowering too close to the ground. Coil springs are also a great choice if you tend to drive on steep inclines. They are sturdy enough to offset the weight that motoring up a hill will put at the back of your vehicle.
With coil springs being the more modern of the two, many drivers whose cars come with leaf springs consider switching. However, changing your suspension system is not necessarily easy. These systems are integral to the structure and functioning of a vehicle, so it’s not always a matter of swapping out one part for another. Instead, it can involve relocating components and altering the car’s structure. Of course, switching your suspension setup also comes at a financial cost, prompting many drivers to stick with what they have.
