What Is a Coil Spring for Cars?

We typically think of tires or shock absorbers when considering what makes our car ride smooth and comfortable. However, coil springs, which remain hidden in plain sight, play an essential role in ensuring that every bump and turn feels seamless. Coil springs are the core of your vehicle's suspension system, bearing the car's weight, absorbing shocks, and maintaining stability. Whether cruising down a highway or navigating uneven terrain, they ensure your ride is balanced and safe.

Coil springs work in tandem with shock absorbers to dampen vibrations and reduce road noise inside the car, offering a smoother and more comfortable ride for passengers. In this post, we will explore more interesting facts about car springs, including their types and how they work.

Types of Coil Springs for Cars

A coil spring is a helical device that can be either closely wound or open wound. It is typically made from hardened steel or elastic material to store mechanical energy. The suspension system in vehicles plays a critical role in the driver's control of the vehicle and the comfort of the occupants, with the coil spring being a crucial component of this system. Now, let's take a look at the different types of coil springs for cars:

• Tension/Extension Coil Springs:

These are helical wound coils wrapped together to create tension, designed to resist stretching. They typically have hooks, loops, or other forms of attachment at both ends to connect to different parts of a mechanism. The coils expand and store energy whenever force is applied to pull the ends of the spring apart.

• Compression Coil Springs:

Compression coil springs are open-coil helical springs wound to resist compression along their axis. While they can work independently, they are typically assembled over a guiding rod. These springs are common in car suspension systems. Compression springs can also be of two types: Volute Springs and Arc Springs.

Volute Springs are generally used as heavy-load compression springs, designed to offer higher load capacity and space efficiency. Arc Springs, unlike traditional helical springs, are curved and were originally developed for use in internal combustion engine drive trains. 

• Torsion Coil Springs:

Torsion coil springs are mechanical devices that store and release energy through torsion or twisting. They are typically made of stainless steel or other high-performance materials to ensure durability and performance. These springs are helically wound, with ends designed to be attached to other components. Torsion springs are highly efficient at storing and releasing mechanical energy.

Working of Coil Spring for Cars

In simple terms, coil springs store energy to release it later. They are highly effective at shock absorption and maintaining the right force between two surfaces. However, with excessive force, a spring can stretch beyond its limits, causing permanent distortion.

In addition to shock absorption, coil springs help maintain ride height and work in conjunction with shock absorbers to control the suspension's motion in a vehicle.

Here is how the individual coil spring types work:

• Working of Tension/Extension Coil Springs

Tension coil springs are tightly wound springs with no pitch between the coils. They extend when force is applied, pulling the coils apart. Once the force is removed, these coils release mechanical energy and snap back to their original positions. Tension coil springs are ideal for moving objects back to their original position. These versatile components are used in various applications to provide resistance or tension when stretched. In addition to automobiles, they are commonly found in garage doors and other appliances. Due to their ability to exert controlled tension and resistance, they have become invaluable in automotive systems, industrial machinery, and more.

• Working of Compression Coil Springs

Compression coil springs also referred to simply as compression springs, store and release energy through compression. They hold weight and shrink when force is applied. Once the force stops, the spring expands again. As the spring is compressed, it stores mechanical energy, which continues until the spring returns to its original size.

• Working of Torsion Coil Springs

Unlike tension or compression springs, torsion springs work by twisting or rotating around their central axis. Force is applied to the legs of the torsion spring, causing it to twist around its axis, storing potential energy as it twists.

Conclusion

Coil springs are an essential part of a car's suspension system, ensuring ride comfort, handling, and vehicle stability. These versatile springs absorb road shocks and support the vehicle's weight, offering a smoother and safer driving experience. They are durable and adaptable, making them suitable for various automotive applications.

Coil springs work in conjunction with other suspension elements, including shock absorbers, struts, and other components, to enhance both the functional and aesthetic characteristics of a vehicle. Neglecting your car's coil springs can lead to handling issues and even accidents. For complete peace of mind, it's important to have a comprehensive car insurance policy that safeguards you and your vehicle against unexpected events. An appropriate plan can also ensure components like the coil spring function as intended through regular maintenance, reducing the chance of an accident.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the Insurance industry and products. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.