How to Raise a Car That Is Too Low

The most reliable ways to raise a car’s ride height are to fix worn suspension parts, adjust height on factory or aftermarket coilovers, install taller springs or spring spacers, fit a vehicle-specific lift kit (common for trucks/SUVs), or switch to air suspension; any change should be followed by a professional alignment, headlight re-aim, and checks for legal height limits and warranty or insurance implications.

What “too low” means and why it matters

“Too low” can be a design choice, a result of worn components, or a mismatch between load and suspension setup. Excessively low ride height reduces ground clearance, alters suspension geometry, and can lead to damage or instability. Confirming the cause first will help you choose a safe, cost-effective fix.

The following points outline common signs your vehicle is sitting lower than it should, whether from factory tuning or developing issues.

• Frequent scraping of front lip, undertray, exhaust, or speed bumps
• Bottoming out over dips (harsh impacts when hitting bump stops)
• Uneven fender gap or a “sag” on one axle or corner
• New tire rub on fenders or wheel liners during steering or compression
• Poor headlight aim and reduced suspension travel

If you recognize several of these symptoms, it’s worth inspecting the suspension before committing to height-increasing modifications.

Quick diagnostics before modifying ride height

Before you buy parts, verify whether the car is lower than factory spec due to wear, incorrect parts, or load. These steps can save money and restore height without a full lift.

1. Measure ride height against factory specs: Check the service manual for reference points and compare left/right, front/rear.
2. Inspect for worn components: Look for tired coil springs, leaking struts/shocks, collapsed rubber bushings, or broken spring isolators.
3. Check wheels/tires: Ensure correct diameter; low-profile or smaller-diameter tires lower the car and reduce clearance.
4. Reduce unnecessary weight: Remove heavy cargo or accessories; verify load ratings and weight distribution.
5. Confirm previous mods: Identify lowering springs, cut springs (unsafe), or short-body shocks that may have reduced height.

If measurements or inspection reveal wear or incorrect parts, restoring factory components is often the simplest, safest way to regain height.

Proven ways to raise ride height

Once you’ve confirmed the cause, choose a method that matches your vehicle type, budget, and handling goals. The options below range from restoration to performance and off-road solutions.

• Restore factory suspension: Replace sagged springs, tired struts/shocks, and bushings; this often recovers 0.5–1.5 inches of lost height.
• Adjustable coilovers: Height-adjustable kits let you dial-in lift (often ±1–2 inches from stock). Choose quality brands and pair with an alignment.
• Taller springs (lift springs): Vehicle-specific springs increase ride height while keeping proper rates. Best for modest lifts on cars and crossovers.
• Spring spacers (strut or coil spacers): Poly/metal spacers above struts or coils add 0.5–2 inches. Use reputable, model-specific kits; avoid generic “donut” inserts that can shift or degrade.
• Torsion bar adjustment (trucks/SUVs with torsion front ends): Raises the front by indexing/adjusting keys; align immediately afterward and avoid over-cranking which harms ride and CV angles.
• Dedicated lift kits (trucks/SUVs): Combine spacers, springs, control arms, and sometimes subframe drops to maintain geometry over 1–4+ inches of lift.
• Air suspension or air-assist: Full air systems enable on-demand height changes; air helper bags can boost rear ride height under load.
• Taller tires (within limits): A larger overall diameter adds ground clearance under the chassis, but check for rub, recalibrate speedometer/ADAS, and verify wheel-well clearance on full lock and compression.
• Subframe spacers and geometry-correction parts: On certain AWD/independent setups, these maintain axle and control-arm angles when lifting beyond ~1–1.5 inches.

For most daily-driven cars, modest lifts of 0.5–1.5 inches via springs, coilovers, or quality spacers preserve handling and component life while restoring usability.

Safety, legal, and insurance considerations

Raising a vehicle changes how it steers, stops, and lights the road. Address these points to stay safe and compliant.

• Alignment required: Lifts alter camber/toe/caster; schedule a 4-wheel alignment to factory or lift-kit specs.
• Headlight aim and sensors: Re-aim headlights; many modern vehicles require ADAS recalibration (cameras, radar) after height changes.
• Bumper/headlight height laws: Some regions limit height; verify local regulations before lifting.
• Driveline and axle angles: Excess lift can stress CV joints and wheel bearings; use geometry-correction components if needed.
• Braking and stability control: Higher center of gravity can lengthen stops and increase body roll; ensure shocks and sway bars are matched to the lift.
• Warranty and insurance: Modifications may affect coverage; disclose changes to your insurer and review warranty terms.
• EV/hybrid considerations: Extra height and tire changes can reduce range/efficiency; avoid interfering with battery cooling or aero panels.

Covering these checks minimizes risk and helps your vehicle perform predictably after the height change.

Professional installation vs. DIY

Many height changes are DIY-friendly, but correct setup and follow-up work are crucial. If unsure, use a qualified shop—especially for late-model vehicles with complex driver-assistance systems.

1. Use proper spring compressors and torque fasteners to spec with new hardware where required.
2. Set coilover preload and height evenly side-to-side; tighten control-arm bolts at ride height to avoid bushing preload.
3. Verify brake line and sensor wire slack at full droop and lock-to-lock steering.
4. Perform a post-install alignment and re-aim headlights; recalibrate ADAS if your vehicle requires it.
5. Test for rubbing on bumps and full steering lock; adjust bump stops or fender liners if needed.
6. Re-torque suspension hardware after 50–100 miles as components settle.

Following these steps ensures the lift is safe, quiet, and durable in daily use.

Costs and timelines

Prices vary by vehicle and method. Restoring factory components can run $400–$1,200 in parts plus labor. Quality spacers or lift springs often cost $150–$600; adjustable coilovers range from $800–$2,500+. Full lift kits for trucks/SUVs can cost $500–$3,500+ plus several hours to a full day of labor. Always budget for alignment, headlight aim, and potential ADAS calibration.

Common questions

These quick answers address frequent concerns when raising a low vehicle.

• Will bigger tires alone fix it? They add clearance under the chassis but may rub and affect gearing/speedometer—check fitment carefully.
• Are spacers safe? Vehicle-specific, quality spacers installed correctly are widely used for mild lifts; avoid generic rubber inserts.
• How much can I lift a MacPherson-strut car? About 1–1.5 inches without geometry corrections; beyond that, consider top-hat spacers and control-arm or subframe solutions.
• Do I need new shocks? If they’re worn or the lift changes travel significantly, matched-length or firmer valved shocks improve control.
• Will lifting hurt MPG or handling? Slightly; higher drag and center of gravity can reduce efficiency and increase body roll—tune sway bars and shocks accordingly.
• What about AWD CV axles? Keep lift modest or use subframe/axle-angle correction to avoid premature CV wear.

Balancing expectations with the right components will deliver the height increase you want without compromising safety or drivability.

Summary

To raise a car that’s too low, first verify whether wear, load, or prior mods caused the drop, then choose a matched solution—factory restoration, adjustable coilovers, taller springs or spacers, a lift kit, or air suspension. After installation, complete an alignment, headlight re-aim, and any required ADAS calibration, and confirm legal compliance. A careful, vehicle-specific approach restores clearance and preserves safe, predictable handling.

What to do if your car is too low?

An (air) suspension system could well be the solution! If your vehicle is too low, this indicates that your vehicle has an (overly) heavy load. As a result, there is little or no spring travel.

What if the car is too low for the jack?

Lowered cars require special car jacks to lift them. Only a floor jack with a low minimum height can get under your car and lift it. You may also need a specialized jack pad to connect the low-profile jack to the jack point on your car.

How to make a low car higher?

Raising the body of a truck or car is easy with blocks made of rubber or polyurethane — they build height and create lift, creating space between the frame and body. The suspension system remains in the same spot, while the body itself is lifted above the frame and the blocks are used to keep it in place.

Can you raise a car higher?

The most popular option is a suspension upgrade kit because it offers the best all-round results, this option involves replacing at least your stock coil/leaf springs, and shock absorbers and perhaps more, depending on the vehicle and the kit.