Increasing car clearance: why is it necessary, how to do it right and what mistakes to avoid

If your Renault Duster or Lada Vesta Cross the sills catch on curbs, and on dirt roads the mudguards rub against the wheels - the problem is insufficient ground clearance. Increased clearance solves these problems, but the wrong approach leads to accelerated wear of the suspension, changes in handling and even refusal to pass technical inspection. For example, spacers for springs are cheap, but they shift the center of gravity, and replacing shock absorbers with long-stroke ones requires reconfiguring the wheel alignment.

In this article we will look at what methods of increasing ground clearance exist (from budget to professional), how each of them affects the life of the car, and why rise 3–5 cm may result in steering problems. Let us separately dwell on the legal nuances: since 2023, Russia has tightened the requirements for suspension modifications, and not all methods are legal for inclusion in the PTS.

What is clearance and why is it increased?

Clearance (ground clearance) is the distance between the lowest point of the vehicle (usually the skid plate or bumper) and the road surface. For passenger cars it varies from 120 to 170 mm, for crossovers - 180-220 mm, and for SUVs it reaches 250-300 mm. They increase clearance for three main reasons:

• 🚗 Operation on bad roads: gravel, potholes, snow drifts. For example, Toyota RAV4 with a factory clearance of 195 mm, it may not pass on a washed-out primer, where at least 210 mm is required.
• 🛠️ Installation of protection: additional metal sheets under the engine or gearbox reduce the clearance by 10–30 mm, which is compensated by lifting.
• 💰 Increase in residual value: crossovers with increased ground clearance in the secondary market are sold 5–15% more expensive.

However, the problem is not always the clearance itself. For example, if Hyundai Creta “nods” when braking, this signals worn shock absorbers, and not the need to lift. Before modification, check:

• 🔧 Condition of the springs (have they sagged?).
• 📏 Tire pressure (flat tires lower the ground clearance by 5–10 mm).
• 🚘 Body geometry after an accident (even a minor impact can displace the subframe).

Ways to increase clearance: pros and cons of each

The choice of method depends on the budget, car model and goals. Below is a comparison of all popular methods, indicating cost, complexity and consequences. Please note: an increase in ground clearance by more than 50 mm requires changes to the design in the traffic police (Ordinance No. 383 of 2020).

Method	Cost (₽)	Increase in ground clearance (mm)	Pros	Cons
Spacers for springs	1 500–5 000	15–40	Cheap, quick to install	Controllability deteriorates, risk of spacers “flying out”
High-stiffness springs	8 000–25 000	20–60	Factory geometry is maintained	Rough ride, possible imbalance with shock absorbers
Long travel shock absorbers	20 000–50 000	30–80	Maximum gain, improved maneuverability	Expensive, requires modification of levers and steering rods
Replacing wheels with a larger diameter	15 000–100 000	10–30	Aesthetics, better grip	Risk of friction on the fender liners, load on the transmission
Air suspension	100 000–300 000	0–100 (adjustable)	Adaptability, comfort	Difficult to install, expensive repairs

For example, for Nissan X-Trail T32 the optimal solution would be springs Eibach Pro-Lift (+30 mm), since they retain factory rigidity and do not require modification of the shock absorbers. But on VAZ 2110 Polyurethane spacers often lead to play in the suspension due to weak standard silent blocks.

⚠️ Attention: If, after increasing the ground clearance, a knock appears in the suspension, check the fastening of the spacers (if used) or the condition of the support bearings. A knocking sound when turning the steering wheel in place often indicates wear on the ball joints due to an altered angle of the arms.

Spacers for springs: budget-friendly, but dangerous

Spacers are the most affordable way to raise a car by 15–40 mm. They come in three types:

• 🟢 Polyurethane: cheap (from 800 ₽ per set), but over time they shrink and crumble. Suitable for temporary solution.
• 🟡 Aluminum: durable, but require precise fitting. Cost: 3,000–6,000 rubles.
• 🔴 Steel: the most reliable, but heavy. May cause corrosion of springs when in contact with moisture.

Installing spacers takes 1–2 hours and does not require special tools. However, there are critical disadvantages:

1. Shifts the center of gravity upward, which increases the risk of rollover when cornering.
2. Accelerated wear of shock absorbers (20–30%) due to changes in rod stroke.
3. Possible contact of the wheels with the fender liners when the suspension is fully compressed.

- Tighten all bolts (torque 50–70 Nm)

- Shock absorber rod stroke (must not go beyond limits)

- Wheel alignment angles (must be adjusted)

- ABS performance (sensors may move) -->

For example, on Kia Sportage 3 spacers 30 mm thick lead to the fact that when the steering wheel is turned completely, the wheel touches the plastic mudguard. This can be solved either by cutting the mudguard or by installing spacers no more than 20 mm thick.

Springs and shock absorbers: a professional approach

Replacing springs and shock absorbers with long-stroke ones is the most correct, but expensive method. For example, a set of springs H&R for Volkswagen Tiguan will cost 22,000 ₽, plus work - another 8,000 ₽. Benefits:

• 🔧 Factory suspension geometry is maintained.
• 📈 Handling improves (with proper selection of stiffness).
• 🛡️ Minimal wear and tear on other chassis elements.

Key points when choosing:

1. Spring stiffness: Soft ones (10–20% stiffer than standard ones) are suitable for the city; reinforced ones are suitable for off-road use.
2. Shock Absorber Compatibility: Long-stroke shock absorbers (e.g. Bilstein B6) require springs with a similar stroke.
3. Camber adjustment: After replacement, be sure to do a wheel alignment, otherwise the tires will be “eaten up” within 10,000 km.

How to check the compatibility of springs and shock absorbers

1. Compare the catalog numbers of standard and new parts on the manufacturer’s website (for example, Febi or Sachs).

2. Make sure that the compressed length of the new shock absorbers does not exceed the allowable length for your model.

3. Check the diameter of the spring coils - it should match the seats on the cups.

On Mitsubishi Outlander XL springs are often installed Old Man Emu (+40 mm), but this requires replacing the rear shock absorbers with models with increased stroke. Otherwise, when the trunk is fully loaded, the suspension “sags” all the way.

Legal aspects: what the law says

Since January 1, 2020, new rules for making changes to the design of vehicles have been in effect in Russia (Resolution No. 383). Increased clearance falls into the category "change in chassis", and it must be agreed upon if:

• 📜 The increase in clearance exceeds 50 mm from the factory value.
• 🚨 Non-certified parts are used (for example, homemade spacers).
• 🔄 The modification affects the steering or brake system.

Legalization procedure:

1. Obtaining a preliminary technical examination report (cost: 5,000–10,000 rubles).
2. Installation of parts in a certified technical center with issuance of a work certificate.
3. Passing a re-examination and making changes to the PTS.

⚠️ Attention: If the ground clearance is increased illegally, in the event of an accident the insurance company may refuse to pay, citing unapproved design changes. For example, in 2023 there was a precedent with Ford Explorer, where the court sided with the Investigative Committee due to unauthorized installation of spacers.

For crossovers with factory ground clearance up to 200 mm (for example, Skoda Kodiaq) an increase of 30 mm usually does not require approval. But if you pick up Lada Granta from 160 mm to 210 mm, this is already subject to mandatory certification.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners make mistakes when increasing ground clearance. Here are the most common:

1. Ignoring wheel alignment. After lifting, the wheel alignment angles change, which leads to uneven tire wear. For example, on Renault Duster with 30 mm spacers without camber adjustment, the tires are “eaten up” in 15,000 km.
2. Incompatibility of parts. Installing springs from another model (for example, from Toyota Hilux on Fortuner) can lead to suspension imbalance.
3. Exceeding the permissible lift. Raising the ground clearance by more than 50 mm without modifying the steering rods and drives leads to their premature wear.
4. Savings on shock absorbers. If the springs are reinforced and the shock absorbers remain standard, they cannot cope with the load and “break through” on bumps.

For example, on UAZ Patriot springs are often installed from UAZ Hunter to increase clearance. However, this leads to the fact that the front suspension becomes stiffer than the rear, and the car begins to “nod off” when braking. The solution is to install components from one manufacturer (for example, Lesjofors).

How to increase ground clearance with your own hands: step-by-step instructions

If you decide to install spacers or change springs yourself, follow this algorithm. Let's look at the process using an example Lada XRAY with the installation of polyurethane spacers 25 mm thick.

Required tools:

• 🔧 Jack and stops (be sure to insure the car!).
• 🔩 Set of sockets and keys (10, 13, 17 mm).
• 🧲 Torque wrench (for tightening with the correct torque).
• 🧴 WD-40 or a similar composition (for unscrewing stuck bolts).

Work order:

1. Raise the car on a jack and remove the wheel. Place stops under the opposite side.
2. Loosen the nut securing the shock absorber to the knuckle (do not unscrew completely!).
3. Unscrew the top nut securing the shock absorber to the body. Hold the rod with a 6 mm wrench.
4. Install a spacer between the spring and the cup. For XRAY spacers with an internal diameter of 55 mm are suitable.
5. Reassemble everything in reverse order. Tighten the nuts to a torque of 45–50 Nm.
6. Repeat the procedure for the remaining wheels.

To replace the springs you will need a tie, as they are under high tension. On Kia Seltos the process takes 4–5 hours for all four wheels. If you have no experience, it is better to contact a service center - an error when tightening the springs can lead to injury.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about increasing clearance

Is it possible to increase the ground clearance only at the front or only at the rear?

No, it will upset the balance of the car. The difference in clearance between the axles should not exceed 10–15 mm. For example, if you lift only the butt Volkswagen Polo by 30 mm, when braking the car will “nod”, and when accelerating it will “squat”.

How does increasing ground clearance affect fuel consumption?

A rise of 30–50 mm increases consumption by 0.3–0.7 l/100 km due to worse aerodynamics and a changed gear ratio. On Toyota Land Cruiser 200 with increased ground clearance and larger wheels, consumption increases to 16–18 l/100 km instead of the standard 14 l.

Do I need to change brake hoses after increasing the ground clearance?

Yes, if the rise exceeds 40 mm. The hoses become shorter relative to the new attachment points, which can lead to their rupture. For example, on Nissan Qashqai after the elevator, install extended hoses 50 mm from Nissan X-Trail.

Is it possible to pass the inspection with increased ground clearance?

Yes, if the changes do not exceed 50 mm and do not affect the steering. However, the inspector may require documents for installed parts (certificates of conformity). On UAZ and Niva Usually no questions arise, but Audi Q5 with a 60 mm lift will be sent for examination.

What ground clearance is considered optimal for the city?

For passenger cars - 160-180 mm, for crossovers - 190-210 mm. For example, Skoda Octavia with a ground clearance of 155 mm, it often catches curbs, and Hyundai Tucson with 190 mm, most speed bumps pass without problems.