What is Ride Height?
The distance between the lowest point of a car chassis and the ground, and the primary number behind how low a car sits.
Ride height is the measured gap between the ground and the underside of the car. It is the single most consequential number in how a car looks, because lowering a car reduces the visual gap between the tire and the fender and makes the whole body appear wider and more planted.
Ride height also has real mechanical effects. Lowering a car reduces the center of gravity, which can improve handling, but it also reduces suspension travel and can compromise the geometry the car was designed around if taken too far. Extremely low setups scrape over driveways and speed bumps and accelerate wear on suspension components.
Adjustable coilovers and air suspension both exist largely so owners can dial in ride height precisely, whether for handling, for looks, or for the ability to raise the car when needed.
Related terms
Frequently asked questions
Ride Height on the blog
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