Is the pursuit of automotive aesthetics a constant battle against practicality, or a testament to individual expression? For many car enthusiasts, the answer lies firmly in the latter, and the obsession with achieving the perfect "stance" is a deeply ingrained part of car culture.
Take, for example, the owner of a 2009 Honda Accord, who, for a year and a half, reveled in the lowered profile afforded by Truhart coilovers. The car, slammed to the ground, turned heads and satisfied a personal vision. But the relentless pursuit of the "slammed" look, the pursuit of a car that hugs the asphalt, can be a costly endeavor, a constant battle against the very components of the car itself. The aesthetic often clashes with the mechanical, leading to repeated failures and headaches. This is a story many enthusiasts know too well, a testament to the trials and tribulations of modifying a vehicle to personal taste, and the compromises that come with it.
The owner's initial euphoria was soon replaced with frustration. Three brand new passenger-side CV axles failed. Despite replacing all engine and transmission mounts, the problem persisted. The quest for a lower ride height had become a Sisyphean task, with each replacement axle destined to meet the same fate. The owner was at a crossroads, torn between the desire to maintain the slammed aesthetic and the need for a reliable, functioning vehicle. The issue of the CV axles is a common one when lowering a vehicle, especially when done excessively. The angles at which the axles operate change, leading to increased stress and premature wear. In the case of the Accord, the problem became pronounced on the passenger side, a symptom that often points towards uneven weight distribution or alignment issues exacerbated by the lowered suspension. The owner's situation is a clear example of how aesthetics often clash with the practicalities of vehicle maintenance.
The owner's attempts to further lower the car is nothing new; removal of the rear swift springs to achieve a lower fitment, exemplifies a trend within the automotive community. The owner clearly understood the visual appeal of a car that sits low, and was willing to go to great lengths to achieve it. "Slammed" is the term, our extremists use for no gap, tucking tires, rubbing on every bump type of low, the kind of look many people desire, but as we know such looks can create many problems.
Other issues can arise such as an uneven drop in the front and rear, as we have heard of another driver with similar interests. If the front is slammed and the back is dropped as low as the coilovers will go, but there is still a gap in the rear, it can be extremely frustrating. The owner may require the help of the community for information on how to make the drop match the front.
The path of modification is littered with potential pitfalls. While the pursuit of a unique aesthetic is commendable, it must be balanced with a realistic understanding of the potential consequences. Ignoring the advice of experienced mechanics, or relying on cosmetic modifications at the expense of vehicle reliability, can lead to a cycle of expensive repairs and ongoing headaches. Some of the components of the car may experience stress or premature wear, especially when the vehicle has modifications on the suspension, and the alignment isn't well.
The owner is not alone in the challenges. Others are drawn to the same world of modification, as we can see with a list of modifications and the inclusion of jdm style brake lights and led interior lights. The owner also mentions 17" wheels and tires, and the need for camber kits, because of how the suspension modification has affected the car.
However, there are also other problems. The owner faces a challenging situation and not all problems are related to the suspension. Such as the sudden, unintended acceleration with a standard 2014 honda accord. The gearbox was not responsive either. The owner was able to bring it to a stop, but the experience was scary. Also, there are issues of intermittent starting problems in the Accord models. One owner states, "I began having intermittent starting problems on my 2013 2.4 l accord at around 60,000 miles.", and another owner said, "i bought my car new in 2013 and have had to replace the starter twice in 6 years."
Another owner recently joined a forum, after a week of owning a 10th gen accord, and he had issues with a broken window seal. A person may fret over water damage not knowing what may happen. In conclusion, cars like the Honda Accord, in particular are capable of many modifications, but a safe and reliable car can be maintained with these considerations and awareness.
