How to increase ground clearance of car, easy ways for Indian roads.

How to increase ground clearance of your car: Low ground clearance of the car (distance from the ground to the lowest part of the car) causes a lot of trouble on speed breakers, potholes and rough roads on Indian roads. Bumper scratches, underbody collision or silencer damage become common. The good thing is that there are many practical and cheap ways to increase ground clearance.

Most Indian car owners first install coil spring assisters (safest and cheapest), then upsize the tires if needed. Due to this, increase of 20-40 mm can be done easily and the problem of speed breakers/potholes is eliminated to a great extent. However, before making any changes, consult a good mechanic or car specialist and choose the right option according to your car model. Let us understand in detail how you can increase the ground clearance of your car.

1. Coil Spring Assisters

This method is most used in India, because it increases ground clearance by 10-25 mm at low cost. Coil spring assisters are small pads/buffers made of polyurethane or rubber that are fitted between the car’s coil springs. These prevent the springs from being fully compressed, resulting in less deflection of the car under load or over a pothole.

• Benefit: The work gets done for Rs 800-2500 (4 piece set). Installation is easy, takes 1-2 hours.
• How much does it grow: Usually 15-25 mm (depends on car model).
• Precautions: Do not install an assist that is too thick, otherwise the ride quality may become harsh and the risk of spring breakage may increase.

2. Upgrading to larger tires and rims

This is the second most common method. Installing a tire slightly larger than the original tire (for example 195/65 R15 or 205/60 R16 instead of 185/70 R14) increases the tire diameter and increases ground clearance by 8-20 mm.

• Benefit: There is not much difference in handling if you choose the right size. There is less error in speedometer also.
• Expenditure: Rs 15,000-40,000 (4 tires + rims).
• Precautions: Installing a tire that is too big can cause it to rub on the fender. The speedometer may read incorrectly, fuel efficiency may be slightly reduced and ABS/traction control may be affected. Also keep RTO rules in mind.

3. Upgrading to a stiffer suspension setup

If the budget is a bit tight, replace the original soft suspension with stiffer springs and shock absorbers (Bilstein, Koni, or aftermarket ones like Gabriels).

• Benefit: Increase possible by 20-40 mm, ride quality becomes better controlled, body roll is reduced.
• Expenditure: Rs 25,000-80,000 (full setup).
• Precautions: The ride may be too harsh, increasing discomfort on bad roads.

4. Installing Spacer or Lift Kit

Some people install a metal spacer or lift kit in the middle of the suspension. This may increase by 30-50 mm.

• Benefit: More increase.
• Loss: Most people do not recommend this because the alignment deteriorates. Pressure on the CV joint increases, handling may deteriorate and damage may occur in the long run.

bonus tip

• Keep less unnecessary items in the car (less weight reduces the spring pressure).
• Keep tires in good condition (under-inflated tires reduce ground clearance).
• Pass through the speed breaker slowly and at an angle.
• If the car is very old then the springs are already settled, installing new springs can give a gain of 10-20 mm.