With the rising cost of fuel, keeping your vehicle running as efficiently as possible has never been more important. Gas prices could rise further after new US and EU sanctions on Russian oil firms. And if the situation stays the same, consumers might soon feel the pinch at the pump.
There are several ways to maximize fuel efficiency, one of them being suspension upgrades. Suspension modifications might seem like a performance-only investment, but they influence how energy transfers through each mile driven. When springs, shocks, and alignment work in harmony, rolling resistance decreases, and aerodynamic efficiency improves.
However, not all suspension upgrades are created equal. Some can negatively affect the efficiency you’re aiming for. In the following, we will highlight which upgrades promote fuel efficiency and which ones may have the opposite effect.
In This Article:
Signs That Faulty Suspension Is Affecting the Fuel Efficiency (and Safety) of Your Vehicle
It’s a given that proper car maintenance, including regular suspension checks, can prevent expensive suspension repairs and keep vehicles running efficiently. Despite that, 59% of vehicle owners in the country don’t take maintenance seriously.
Suspension is one of the most critical systems, both in terms of performance and car safety. Recently, Audi recalled certain 2025 e-tron GT vehicles for suspension issues.
Besides safety concerns, a faulty suspension can also directly affect the fuel efficiency of your vehicle. If you are noticing any of the following signs, it might be time for an upgrade or repair:
- Misaligned wheels: Worn suspension parts knock wheel alignment out of place, making tires scrub sideways instead of rolling straight. The engine has to push harder against this resistance, using more gas with each trip. The effect compounds over time as misalignment accelerates tire wear, notes Chapel Hill Tire.
- Damaged shocks: When shock absorbers wear out, the vehicle bounces around more than it should during everyday driving. All that extra movement creates wind resistance and makes the engine strain to keep a steady speed. What should be smooth sailing turns into a fuel-guzzling workout.
- Worn bushings and joints: Suspension bushings and ball joints connect components and allow controlled movement. When these parts deteriorate, they create excess play in the suspension system. This looseness means energy from the engine doesn’t transfer efficiently to forward motion. Some power gets absorbed by the worn components instead of propelling the vehicle, which decreases overall fuel efficiency.
- Fuel system leaks: Severe suspension problems can cause the vehicle to bottom out, especially over bumps or potholes. Repeated contact with the ground can damage fuel lines, brake lines, or the fuel tank. Even small fuel leaks result in wasted gasoline and reduced range. Consider immediate car suspension repair if you notice fuel odors or spots under the vehicle. Otherwise, the problem will worsen, and costs will multiply.
Common Car Suspension Upgrades and Their Effects on Fuel Economy
There are mainly four types of car suspension upgrades that can improve your vehicle’s performance and fuel efficiency. Below, we will discuss each upgrade and its potential effects on fuel economy.
Air Lift Systems
Air lift systems use adjustable air springs instead of traditional coil or leaf springs, allowing drivers to raise or lower the vehicle’s ride height on demand. These systems are controlled electronically and can be adjusted based on load, driving conditions, or performance needs.
Impact on Fuel Economy: Air lift systems can improve fuel efficiency when used strategically. Drivers can lower the vehicle at highway speeds to reduce aerodynamic drag and improve airflow beneath the chassis.
The ability to adjust ride height based on load also helps maintain optimal suspension geometry, which keeps tire contact patches even and reduces rolling resistance. When hauling heavy cargo, the system can raise the rear to prevent sagging and maintain proper weight distribution.
That said, while the system brings many benefits, it can add weight and complexity to your vehicle, which might slightly reduce overall fuel efficiency in the long run.
Leveling Kits
Leveling kits are designed to raise the front of a vehicle to match the rear height, compensating for the factory rake. They’re commonly used in trucks and SUVs to provide a more balanced stance and improve handling.
Impact on Fuel Economy: By leveling out the vehicle, these kits can enhance aerodynamics, minimizing wind resistance and contributing to better fuel efficiency. They also promote more even tire wear, which can improve long-term fuel economy and extend tire life.
However, there are some trade-offs: leveling kits might reduce the suspension’s ability to absorb bumps, making the ride less smooth. They can also slightly affect vehicle handling, particularly in off-road situations where stability is key.
Suspension Lifts
A suspension lift raises the vehicle’s ride height by installing taller springs, spacers, or modified suspension components. This modification is commonly used on trucks and SUVs to accommodate larger tires, improve ground clearance, or enhance off-road capability.
If you’re into off-roading, it’s important to inspect your vehicle thoroughly for any suspension-related issues. Recently, off-road crashes near LaVerkin and Leeds sent four people to the hospital, highlighting the importance of keeping your suspension in top condition before tackling rough terrain.
Impact on Fuel Economy: While suspension lifts are great for off-roading, they can have negative impacts on fuel efficiency. The increased weight and larger tires can cause more drag, leading to higher fuel consumption. Additionally, the lift can affect aerodynamics, reducing the vehicle’s overall efficiency on highways.
Although a suspension lift can provide better ground clearance and off-road capability, these benefits often come at the cost of decreased fuel economy, especially if you’re not regularly using the vehicle for off-roading.
Lift Kits
Lift kits provide substantial ride height increases, typically three inches or more, through complete suspension component replacement, including springs, shocks, control arms, and other hardware. These comprehensive modifications are popular for off-road enthusiasts and those seeking an aggressive appearance.
Impact on Fuel Economy: Lift kits generally have a negative effect on fuel efficiency due to multiple compounding factors. The significant increase in ride height creates substantially more aerodynamic drag by exposing the vehicle’s undercarriage to wind resistance.
Moreover, lift kits almost always require larger, heavier tires that increase both rolling resistance and rotational mass, forcing the engine to work harder during acceleration and cruising.
The added weight of reinforced suspension components also contributes to reduced efficiency. One positive aspect is that improved ground clearance protects the undercarriage from damage on rough terrain, which can prevent costly repairs to fuel lines, exhaust systems, and other components that could compromise efficiency if damaged.
The Fine Line Between Performance and Fuel Economy
Upgrading your vehicle’s suspension system can provide significant benefits, but it is important to keep fuel efficiency in mind. While some modifications can optimize ride height and aerodynamics, others may negatively affect your fuel usage. Regular inspection and suspension repair might be necessary to keep everything running smoothly.
