Suspension & Handling – OZ Racing Wheels: Australia https://www.ozracingwheels.com.au Precision Performance: Rev Up Your Ride Tue, 12 Sep 2023 10:19:58 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7 https://www.ozracingwheels.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/OZ-Racing-Wheels-Header-MX5-Australia-150x150.jpg Suspension & Handling – OZ Racing Wheels: Australia https://www.ozracingwheels.com.au 32 32 Maintenance and Care of Coilover Suspension https://www.ozracingwheels.com.au/suspension-handling/maintenance-and-care-of-coilover-suspension/ https://www.ozracingwheels.com.au/suspension-handling/maintenance-and-care-of-coilover-suspension/#comments Mon, 24 Jul 2023 16:27:15 +0000 https://www.ozracingwheels.com.au/?p=51 For most of us a set of coilovers can cost a great deal, sometimes nearly as much as the car itself if, like me, you’re into the retro scene.

Like any automotive component, coilovers require regular maintenance and proper care to ensure their longevity and optimal performance.

By following the tips and guidelines below, you can keep your coilovers in top shape, enhancing your driving experience and ensuring a safe and enjoyable journey on the road.

Essential tools

If you don’t have a C Spanner then this is an essential tool for adjusting your coilovers. I highly recommend the Tein Adjustable Wrench (available on Amazon AU). These are by far the best quality C Spanners you can buy, and you’ll thank me later.

Essential tool for coilover maintenance - C Spanner (Tein adjustable wrench)

Regular Inspection

Regular inspections of your coilover suspension are essential to identify any signs of wear, damage, or fluid leaks.

Pay close attention to the coil springs, shock absorbers, and all adjustable components.

Look for any oil leakage or signs of corrosion. If you notice any issues, address them promptly to prevent further damage and potential safety hazards.

Cleanliness

Keeping your coilovers clean is crucial for their performance and longevity.

Regularly wash your car and make sure to clean the coilovers as well.

Use a gentle cleaning solution and a soft brush or cloth to remove any dirt, debris, or grime that may accumulate around the suspension components. You may need to jack up your car and remove the wheels for this, which I know is a faff, but is worth it.

Lubrication

Proper lubrication of moving parts is vital for the smooth operation of coilovers.

Check the manufacturer’s guidelines and lubricate adjustable components and joints as recommended.

Using the right type of lubricant ensures that the suspension operates without friction or unnecessary stress.

Adjustments

If your coilovers are adjustable, like OZ Racing coilovers, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when making changes to the settings.

Avoid making extreme adjustments without understanding the impact on your car’s handling.

It’s essential to strike a balance between performance and comfort to maintain stability and safety during driving.

Before making any adjustments to your coilover ride height, make sure you carefully wipe away any dirt and grit from the threads with a soft damp cloth and cleaning agent.

Avoid Harsh Impacts

While coilovers are designed to handle rough roads and spirited driving, it’s essential to avoid harsh impacts whenever possible.

Hitting large potholes, speed bumps, or road debris at high speeds can place excessive stress on the suspension components and lead to premature wear or damage.

Know your roads!

Regular Wheel Alignment

Proper wheel alignment is crucial for preserving the health of your coilovers.

Regularly schedule wheel alignment checks to ensure that your suspension is working optimally and that your tyres wear evenly.

Improper wheel alignment can lead to premature wear on the suspension and tires.

Camber adjusters may be necessary, especially if you significantly drop your car, as otherwise your tyres will wear far quicker on the inside.

Winter Care

If you live in an area with harsh winter conditions (like Melbourne ;o) ), take extra care of your coilover suspension during this time.

Salt, road grime, and ice can accelerate corrosion and wear. Consider using protective coatings or covers to shield the suspension components during the winter months.

Professional Servicing

While some maintenance tasks can be done by car enthusiasts, it’s essential to have your coilover suspension professionally serviced at regular intervals.

Certified mechanics can inspect, clean, and adjust your coilovers more thoroughly, ensuring their longevity and performance.

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OZ Racing Coilovers: A Guide for Australian Car Enthusiasts https://www.ozracingwheels.com.au/suspension-handling/oz-racing-coilovers/ https://www.ozracingwheels.com.au/suspension-handling/oz-racing-coilovers/#respond Mon, 24 Jul 2023 10:18:42 +0000 https://www.ozracingwheels.com.au/?p=39 You may wonder what benefits coilovers may bring over regular shocks and springs, and I thought the same many moons ago when I forked out for my first set of coilovers.

I never looked back.

My car (a Honda CRX) was no way near as powerful as Skylines and Imprezas owned by other enthusiasts, but coilovers changed the car completely.

Can you imagine the look on the faces of those enthusiasts when they were outcornered by a Honda Civic?

As a car enthusiast, you may already know peak performance and handling is essential for an exhilarating driving experience. When it comes to suspension upgrades, OZ Racing coilovers have earned a stellar reputation and are highly regarded among enthusiasts like yourself.

I’m sure, if you’re like me, you’ll have your eye on various brands of coilovers for whatever reason (price, reputation), but for the purpose of this article you’re stuck with OZ Racing – sorry!

Why OZ Racing Coilovers?

OZ Racing is a name synonymous with high-performance wheels. Many don’t realise their dedication to excellence extends to their coilover offerings as well.

Oz Racing Coilover Suspension

With a commitment to cutting-edge engineering, OZ Racing coilovers are designed to elevate (by de-elevating) your car’s handling and performance to new heights (and lows).

Whether you’re navigating city streets or conquering the track, OZ Racing coilovers are engineered to deliver superior results.

Pros of OZ Racing Coilovers

  1. Superior Handling – Experience razor-sharp cornering and enhanced stability, allowing you to push your car to its limits with confidence.
  2. Customization – With a variety of adjustable settings, OZ Racing coilovers enable you to fine-tune your suspension to match your driving style and preferences.
  3. Durability – OZ Racing’s dedication to quality ensures that their coilovers are built to withstand the rigors of spirited driving and challenging road conditions.
  4. Versatility – OZ Racing coilovers strike an ideal balance between performance and comfort, making them suitable for both daily driving and track use.

Cons of OZ Racing Coilovers

  1. Price – As a premium suspension upgrade, OZ Racing coilovers might have a higher upfront cost compared to entry-level options. However, the performance gains are well worth the investment (in my honest opinion).
  2. Firm Ride – To achieve optimal performance, OZ Racing coilovers may provide a slightly firmer ride than your car’s stock suspension or aftermarket shocks and spring. This is by design, but many unfamiliar with coilover suspension find this hard to get used to.
  3. Installation Complexity – Proper installation of coilovers requires technical expertise, and professional assistance is recommended for optimal results. You may be able to tackle installation yourself (I did), but to get the most from your coilovers it’s well worth getting them professionally set up and balanced.

OZ Racing vs. Other Leading Coilover Brands

When comparing OZ Racing coilovers to other leading brands available in the Australian market, OZ Racing continues to stand out.

Its exceptional handling, track performance, and versatility make it a top choice for discerning enthusiasts like yourself.

Availability of coilovers is always a factor, especially in Australia. Leading brands for the Japanese Domestic Market, such as Tein, can often only be sourced from Japan, at great cost inclusive of shipping, and also when in need of repair.

However, remember that the right coilover choice depends on your specific driving needs and preferences.

OZ Racing Coilover Applications for Australian Car Models

From the iconic Subaru WRX and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution to the agile Toyota AE86/Subaru BRZ, Mazda MX-5, and powerful Nissan 370Z, OZ Racing coilovers have proven to be a game-changer.

Enthusiasts like you have reported significant enhancements in handling precision and overall driving experience after installing OZ Racing coilovers.

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