You’ve seen them, whether on the streets or off road, sporting larger than life tires, riding high, and taking on rough terrain like it was nothing. Vehicles that have been customized with a lift kit offer drivers a unique experience.
If you’ve decided to have a lift kit installed in your vehicle, we’re sure you’ve already researched installation options and high performance parts in Hesperia, CA. One thing you may have overlooked, however, is what to consider after your lift kit has been installed.
A lift kit gives you more options and capabilities with your vehicle. However, with these changes, you need to consider how your vehicle will operate differently, how to maintain your lifted vehicle, and a few other additions. If you’ve recently decided to install a lift kit, here are some things to consider after the install:
Handling and performance
After your lift kit is installed, you will find that your vehicle handles very differently. Lifting your car dramatically changes the center of gravity, which makes your vehicle more likely to sway and easier to flip over.
It’s important that you are aware of these changes when you first start using your vehicle after the lift. You need to familiarize yourself with the different handling and feel of your vehicle to reduce the risk of accident. Don’t be tempted to immediately test the new limits of the vehicle right after the install. Take some time to get used to driving it before you test its performance level.
Maintenance
Another important aspect to consider after a lift kit install is that a lift kit is considered an after-market addition to a car, so it is your responsibility to make sure it is maintained properly. Make sure that your lift system is part of your regular vehicle checkup when you take it in for maintenance checks.
One maintenance check you can do on your own is to check the mounting bolts to see if they have come loose at all during the driving process. These bolts can come loose with use, especially if you’re doing a lot of off road driving.
Additional accessories
The accessories to go with your lift system partially depend on what you hope to get out of your system. However, here are a few accessories you should consider regardless of the type of lift you had installed.
- First, shock absorbers. Especially for taller lifts, having the proper shock absorbers installed will help give you a smoother ride.
- Second, brake upgrades. The brakes that came with your car may not be able to accommodate larger tires and could wear quickly under the strain. Look for high performance parts in Hesperia, CA when choosing breaks to go with your lift system.
- Finally, install or adjust your running board to match the new height of your vehicle.
If you’re thinking of installing a lift kit in your vehicle, be sure to put special consideration into the performance and maintenance of your vehicle post-install.