How to make your car handle better

Every driver has experienced that thrilling sensation of connecting with the road, maneuvering effortlessly around corners, and feeling their car come alive in their hands. Handling is the key to this exhilarating experience. A well-handling car is not only safer but also more enjoyable to drive. 

Whether you're a performance enthusiast or simply looking to enhance your daily commute, this article unveils the secrets to making your car handle better.

The first step in improving your car's handling prowess is to choose the right set of tires. Tires are the sole contact point between your vehicle and the road, making them crucial for handling and stability. Opt for high-performance tires with a stickier compound and a tread pattern designed to maximize grip during cornering. Keep in mind that tire pressures should be maintained at the recommended levels to ensure optimum performance.

Upgrading your car's suspension components can drastically improve its handling characteristics. Consider installing stiffer springs, performance shocks, and sway bars. These enhancements reduce body roll during cornering, provide better weight distribution, and minimize unnecessary movements, resulting in a more composed and agile ride.

Of course, if budget isn’t an issue, upgrading to coilovers would be much better than a simple shock and spring upgrade, but this also means more commitment as the ride could be harsher.

A precise alignment is often overlooked but can significantly affect handling. Proper alignment involves adjusting the angles of the wheels to the manufacturer's specifications. This ensures even tire wear and improved steering response. 

Those that have an upgraded suspension should also be paying more attention to alignment and suspension tuning to suit your vehicle and driving style.

A car's handling prowess is not solely about going fast; it's also about stopping confidently. Upgrading to high-performance brake pads and rotors enhances braking efficiency, reducing stopping distances and inspiring more confidence in the corners.

You should also consider upgrading to high-performance brake fluid and brake pads since they can significantly impact your car's handling. It has a higher boiling point, reducing the risk of brake fade during aggressive driving. This ensures consistent braking performance when you need it most. Remember upgrading your braking system is useless if you don’t upgrade your pads and fluid as well.

Particularly useful for older cars, a strut tower brace is a simple and effective modification that connects the front strut towers, providing additional rigidity to the chassis. This reduces flex during cornering and enhances stability, making your car feel more planted.

While enhancing your car's components is essential, mastering smooth driving techniques is equally crucial. Smooth inputs through the steering wheel, accelerator, and brakes promote stability and allow the car to react predictably during maneuvers. Practice smooth cornering and focus on maintaining proper racing lines (if you go to the race track) to improve your overall driving skills.

Lastly, maintain a regular schedule for car maintenance, including oil changes, fluid top-ups, and filter replacements. Proper maintenance ensures that all systems function optimally, which contributes to better handling. Additionally, rotate your tires periodically (assuming you have a squared tire setup) to ensure even wear and consistent grip on all four corners.

Unleashing the full potential of your car's handling is a journey that involves a combination of technical upgrades, personal skill development, and meticulous maintenance. From choosing the right tires to fine-tuning your driving techniques, each step contributes to transforming your daily ride into a road-hugging beast. Remember, the key to unlocking better handling is to strike a harmonious balance between car and driver, resulting in a driving experience like no other.