BYD Qin Plus: ground clearance - real numbers, how to measure and increase ground clearance

What is clearance and why is it important for BYD Qin Plus

Ground clearance (or ground clearance) is the distance from the bottom of the car to the road surface. For BYD Qin Plus, as for any modern sedan, this parameter is critically important: it determines how confidently the car will overcome bumps, curbs or snow drifts. In the conditions of Russian roads, where high-quality coverage is not always found, even a small difference of 1-2 cm can play a decisive role.

The manufacturer declares ground clearance Qin Plus in 130 mm for most modifications, but actual measurements by owners often show different numbers. Why is this happening? The fact is that factory data is usually indicated for the car no load and with standard tires. In this article, we will look at how to correctly measure the ground clearance yourself, what factors influence it, and what to do if the clearance is not enough for a comfortable ride.

Feature BYD Qin Plus is a combination of an electric and hybrid power plant with a classic suspension type McPherson front and multi-lever behind. This design allows for good handling, but at the same time imposes restrictions on the possibility of increasing ground clearance without compromising driving performance. Next is a detailed analysis of all the nuances.

Factory ground clearance BYD Qin Plus: official data vs reality

According to technical documentation BYD, ground clearance for Qin Plus (including hybrid and electric versions) is:

• 📏 130 mm — basic equipment (petrol/hybrid)
• 📏 125 mm - version with extended battery (EV)
• 📏 135 mm — modifications for markets with bad roads (for example, Russia, Latin America)

However, owners often record discrepancies. For example, when the passenger compartment and trunk are fully loaded, the ground clearance may decrease by 10-15 mm, and when installing non-standard wheels - change in any direction. Why is this happening?

⚠️ Attention: The manufacturer indicates the ground clearance for the car in running order (without passengers or cargo) and with factory tires 205/55 R16. If you are using a different size tire or carrying heavy loads, the actual clearance will vary.

To check, you can use a simple method:

1. Place the car on a flat surface (no slope).
2. Measure the distance from the bottom of the front bumper to the ground.
3. Repeat the measurement under the engine, crankcase guard and rear axle.
4. The smallest value will be real ground clearance your BYD Qin Plus.

How to increase clearance BYD Qin Plus: 5 proven methods

If the factory ground clearance is not enough, there are several ways to increase it. It is important to understand that each method has its pros and cons - from changes in handling to the risk of damaging the suspension. Let's consider options from the simplest to the radical.

1. Installation of high profile tires

The most affordable way is to replace the standard tires 205/55 R16 on models with a higher profile height, for example, 205/60 R16 or 215/55 R16. This will add:

• ➕ 5-10 mm to ground clearance (depending on the tire model).
• ➕ Softness of ride due to the larger volume of air in the tire.

Cons: possible problems with the speedometer readings (the error will increase) and the risk of the wheels hitting the arches when fully loaded.

2. Spacers for springs

Polyurethane or aluminum spacers are installed between the body and the upper strut mount. This allows you to raise the car 15-30 mm without major changes to the suspension. The cost of the kit is from 3,000 to 8,000 rubles.

Important: After installing the spacers, you need to do wheel alignment, as the suspension geometry changes. The load on the shock absorbers also increases, which can reduce their life.

3. Replacing springs with reinforced or sports ones

Springs with increased stiffness and length (for example, from H&R or Eibach) can add up to 20 mm ground clearance However, this method is more suitable for improving handling than for increasing clearance. If the springs are selected incorrectly, the following may occur:

• ⚠️ Deterioration in comfort (hard ride).
• ⚠️ Rapid wear of shock absorbers.
• ⚠️ Problems with the operation of assistance system sensors (for example, ESP).

4. Adjustable suspension (pneuma or coilovers)

The most expensive, but also the most effective way is to install air suspension or coilovers with height adjustment. For example, kits from Air Lift or KW allow you to change the ground clearance from 100 to 160 mm literally at the touch of a button.

Cons:

• 💰 Cost from 150,000 rubles.
• 🔧 Difficult to install (professional installation required).
• ⚠️ Risk of breakdown when driving off-road.

5. Crankcase protection with integrated lift

Some manufacturers (for example, Steel Mate) offer engine protection that simultaneously raises the front of the vehicle by 10-15 mm. This is a minor increase, but it can save you from hitting curbs or speed bumps.

Consult with a suspension specialist|Check the compatibility of parts with the model|Take into account changes in handling|Budget for modifications (from 3,000 to 150,000 ₽)|The need for re-alignment

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Ground clearance comparison BYD Qin Plus with competitors

To understand how much clearance Qin Plus meets market standards, comparable to the main competitors in the class C-segment sedans:

Model	Ground clearance, mm	Drive type	Features
BYD Qin Plus	130	Front/Full (Hybrid)	Low center of gravity due to battery
Geely Emgrand	140	Front	Softer suspension
Volkswagen Jetta	127	Front	Stiff suspension, sports setting
Skoda Octavia	137	Front/Full	Universal suspension for different roads
Toyota Corolla	135	Front	Reliability, but modest clearance

As can be seen from the table, BYD Qin Plus is approximately in the middle of the ranking. Its ground clearance is less than that of Geely Emgrand or Skoda Octavia, but more than Volkswagen Jetta. It is important to take into account that the hybrid and electric versions have a lower center of gravity due to the battery, which compensates for the lower clearance with better stability.

Critical nuance: when driving on dirt roads or snow, ground clearance BYD Qin Plus can become a “bottleneck” - the risk of catching the protection or bumper is higher than that of competitors with a clearance of 140+ mm.

The influence of ground clearance on handling and safety

Increasing ground clearance always goes against the factory suspension settings. Even a slight change in height can affect:

• 🚗 High speed stability (the center of gravity shifts upward).
• 🔄 Operation of ESP and ABS systems (sensors may not work correctly).
• 🛞 Tire and suspension wear (uneven load distribution).
• 💨 Aerodynamics (air resistance increases, fuel/energy consumption increases).

For example, when lifting a car 20-30 mm using spacers:

• ✅ Off-road patency improves.
• ❌ Course stability on the highway is deteriorating (the car “swings” more when turning).
• ❌ The load on wheel bearings and CV joints increases.

⚠️ Attention: If you have increased the ground clearance by more than 20 mm, be sure to check the wheel alignment angles and adjust the headlights (so as not to blind oncoming drivers). It is also recommended to install reinforced shock absorbers, since the standard ones are not designed for additional load.

Frequent clearance problems BYD Qin Plus and how to avoid them

Owners BYD Qin Plus often encounter typical problems related to ground clearance. Here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:

1. Impacts on speed bumps and curbs

At clearance 130 mm Even standard "loungers" can become a problem, especially if there are passengers or cargo in the car. Solution:

• 🛑 Approach an obstacle at an angle 30-45 degrees (not perpendicular).
• 🔧 Install crankcase protection with integrated lift.
• 🚘 Use mode Eco (in hybrid versions) - it softens the suspension.

2. Bumper touching when entering a parking lot

Front bumper Qin Plus has protruding elements that are easy to damage. To avoid scratches:

• 📱 Use the rear view camera with trajectory of movement.
• 🎯Apply to bumper protective film (vinyl).
• 🚗 When parking nose up on an overpass, first turn the wheels left/right to reduce the approach angle.

3. Suspension sagging over time

After 50,000–70,000 km, springs and shock absorbers may sag, reducing ground clearance by 5-10 mm. Signs:

• ⚠️ The car “sags” in turns.
• ⚠️ Knocks appear when driving over uneven surfaces.
• ⚠️ The rear is lower than the front (with an empty trunk).

Solution: replacing the springs and shock absorbers assemblies. For BYD Qin Plus analogues from Monroe or Kayaba.

What to do if the ground clearance has decreased after an accident?

If, after an accident or a strong impact, the ground clearance becomes uneven (one side is higher than the other), this is a sign of deformation of the subframe or suspension arms. In this case:

1. Swipe body geometry at the stand.

2. Check wheel alignment (wheel alignment is pointless until the deformations are eliminated).

3. Replace bent arms or silent blocks.

Do not ignore the problem - uneven ground clearance leads to accelerated tire wear and poor handling.

Operation BYD Qin Plus in winter: how clearance affects cross-country ability

In winter, clearance becomes an even more critical parameter. Snow, ice and slush require not only good tires, but also sufficient ground clearance. Here's what owners need to know Qin Plus:

• ❄️ When snow 15-20 cm high The sedan can get stuck even if the wheels are not slipping (the bumper or protection rests against a snowdrift).
• 🛑 On icy bumps the risk of hitting the crankcase protection is higher than in summer (due to less cold absorption).
• 🔋 B hybrid versions the battery is located low, which impairs thermal insulation and can lead to loss of capacity in severe frosts.

Tips for winter use:

1. Install winter tires with a high profile (eg 205/60 R16).
2. Use snow chains on the drive wheels when driving in deep snow.
3. Clean periodically bottom of bumper and protection from sticking snow - this will add 5-10 mm of clearance.
4. Avoid sudden acceleration and braking - this reduces the risk of slipping and burying in the snow.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about clearance BYD Qin Plus

Is it possible to install on BYD Qin Plus wheels R17 without compromising ground clearance?

Yes, but with reservations. Standard wheels R16 can be replaced by R17, if you use tires with low profile (for example, 225/45 R17). However this will not increase, and will even reduce the ground clearance by 5-10 mm due to the lower sidewall height. To maintain clearance, choose tires with a diameter identical to the standard one (approx. 600 mm).

What is the ground clearance BYD Qin Plus DM-i (hybrid) compared to the petrol version?

For the hybrid version DM-i clearance is the same - 130 mm, but due to the heavier battery (located under the rear seat), the rear end may sag more when fully loaded. The difference with the petrol version is up to 5 mm at maximum weight.

What happens if you drive with the ground clearance increased by 40 mm?

Climbing 40 mm (for example, using spacers + high springs) will lead to:

• ⚠️ Strong swing body at speeds above 90 km/h.
• ⚠️ Rapid wear CV joints and wheel bearings.
• ⚠️ Incorrect operation ABS and ESP sensors (an error may light up on the dashboard).
• ⚠️ Increased fuel/energy consumption by 5-10% due to deterioration in aerodynamics.

This tuning is recommended only for off-road use and requires complete suspension re-flashing (if possible for BYD).

What is the minimum clearance allowed for driving around Moscow without the risk of damaging the car?

For Moscow and other large cities with more or less normal roads, the minimum safe clearance is 120 mm. However, keep in mind:

• B courtyard areas and in parking lots there are often speed bumps with a height of 8-10 cm. With a ground clearance of 120 mm, the risk of impact is ~30%.
• In winter, due to snowfalls, the actual clearance should be no less than 130 mm.
• If you often park near curbs, it is better to have a reserve of 135-140 mm.

Is it possible to adjust the ground clearance yourself? BYD Qin Plus?

Self-adjustment of clearance is possible only within the limits 5-10 mm due to:

• 🔧 Inflating shock absorbers (if they are gas-oil).
• 🔧 Replacing rubber bumpers with tougher ones.
• 🔧 Settings adjustable spacers (requires suspension disassembly).

Major changes in height (more than 10 mm) will require specialized equipment and electronics adjustments (for example, calibration of the tilt sensor for assistance systems).