Parts for your 2017 Lexus Is-Coil springs

Coil Springs on the 2017 Lexus IS: What You Need to Know

The 2017 Lexus IS is a compact luxury sedan that blends sporty handling with a comfortable ride, and its suspension setup plays a big part in achieving just that. When it comes to the suspension, coil springs are indeed a fundamental component used on this model. So, what exactly do coil springs do, and why are they important for your 2017 Lexus IS? Let's break it down in a way that's easy to understand.

Coil springs are part of the suspension system, which is responsible for smoothing out the bumps and dips in the road. Essentially, coil springs act like shock absorbers - they compress and expand in response to the road surface, helping keep the vehicle's tyres in firm contact with the road. This improves ride comfort, handling, and stability. On the 2017 Lexus IS, coil springs are used both at the front and rear suspension setups. They work alongside shock absorbers or struts, which dampen the oscillations from the springs. Together, this suspension duo allows the Lexus IS to provide a balanced ride. You get responsive steering and sporty handling, but you also maintain a comfortable ride quality that's suitable for daily driving around town or cruising the highway.

One big advantage of using coil springs over other types of springs, like leaf springs or torsion bars, is their compact size and weight. Coil springs are fairly light and don't take up much space, which aligns well with the sleek, modern design of the 2017 Lexus IS. Being relatively lightweight helps the vehicle's overall weight management, which in turn contributes to better fuel efficiency and performance. Plus, coil springs offer a progressive spring rate, meaning they provide a softer ride under normal conditions but firm up when the car experiences heavier loads or sharper turns. This smart behaviour is perfect for a car like the Lexus IS, which aims to merge luxury and sportiness.

When it comes to maintenance, coil springs are generally low-maintenance components. They are made from spring steel, designed to last many years and tens of thousands of kilometres without issue. However, they're not completely immune to wear and tear. Over time, exposure to the elements and the stresses of daily driving can cause coil springs to sag, corrode, or, in rare cases, crack or break.

Knowing when to replace your coil springs is important to maintain the optimum ride and handling characteristics of your Lexus IS. Some common signs that your coil springs might need attention include:

• Uneven ride height or the car leaning to one side
• Excessive bouncing or a bumpy, uncomfortable ride
• Unusual noises such as creaking or clunking over bumps
• Visible rust or damage when inspecting under the car

If any of these symptoms pop up, it's a good idea to have your coil springs checked by a qualified mechanic. While coil springs don't typically require regular replacement like brake pads or oil filters, ignoring worn-out springs can affect your vehicle's safety and performance. For example, worn springs can reduce suspension travel, putting extra stress on other suspension and steering components, and negatively impacting vehicle control.

Replacing coil springs on a 2017 Lexus IS is generally straightforward when done by a professional. The process usually involves safely lifting the vehicle, removing the wheel and associated suspension components, and carefully decompressing the old springs before swapping in new ones. It's worth noting that coil springs work hand-in-hand with shock absorbers or struts, so mechanics often recommend replacing these components together to maintain balanced suspension performance and avoid uneven wear.

One thing to keep in mind is that not all coil springs are created equal. Using OEM (original equipment manufacturer) coil springs ensures the right fitment, spring rate, and durability that Lexus engineers designed for your IS. There are aftermarket options available, but these can vary widely in quality and may alter driving characteristics.

Regular servicing and inspections of your Lexus IS suspension system should include a check on the coil springs, particularly if you regularly drive on rough Australian roads or carry heavy loads often. Routine checks help catch any early signs of wear before they become bigger issues. Keeping the suspension healthy means your 2017 Lexus IS continues to drive as it was intended - smooth, safe, and sporty.

In short, coil springs are a key part of the 2017 Lexus IS suspension system and play a vital role in delivering that polished ride and dynamic handling the model is known for. Paying attention to their condition and replacing them when necessary will help keep your Lexus IS on the road for many happy kilometres to come.