Tubular Control Arms: Altered Suspension Insurance Woes

Tubular control arms are a popular modification for car suspension. They are often chosen to replace conventional stamped-steel factory components as they are stronger, lighter, and improve stability and cornering capabilities. While tubular control arms can enhance a car's performance, it is unclear whether they are considered an altered suspension by insurance companies.

In the UK, a 'modified' vehicle is defined as any alteration to a vehicle's factory standard, including cosmetic changes such as body kits and spoilers. Some modifications can increase insurance premiums, while others may reduce them. It is important to declare any modifications to your insurer, as failing to do so could invalidate your insurance.

While tubular control arms may fall under the category of suspension alterations, it is best to consult with insurance providers directly to understand their specific policies and determine if tubular control arms are considered an alteration that would impact insurance rates.

Tubular control arms are stronger and lighter than conventional stamped-steel factory components

Tubular control arms are a popular choice for car enthusiasts looking to upgrade their suspension systems. These aftermarket components offer several benefits over conventional stamped-steel factory arms.

Firstly, tubular control arms are stronger and lighter than their stamped-steel counterparts. This weight reduction can significantly improve handling and performance. The reduced weight means there is less suspension weight to manage, resulting in more responsive steering.

Secondly, tubular control arms offer increased stiffness and rigidity. This added stiffness improves the overall handling and stability of a vehicle, especially when cornering or driving in windy conditions. The stiffness also helps to keep the tires firmly planted on the road, enhancing stability and providing a smoother ride.

Thirdly, tubular control arms provide more accurate alignment. This is achieved through adjustments to the caster and camber angles, which can be tailored to modern, wider wheels and tires. Proper alignment ensures that the car drives straight and improves cornering capabilities.

Additionally, tubular control arms are often designed with higher-quality ball joints and bushings. Ball joints in tubular control arms are usually taller, improving geometry issues and tire positioning. Polyurethane or Delrin bushings are used in place of rubber ones, providing a firmer and longer-lasting solution that reduces flex and improves overall performance.

Finally, tubular control arms are fully compatible with existing OE parts and can be installed without any modifications, making them a straightforward upgrade option.

In summary, tubular control arms offer improved strength, weight reduction, stiffness, and customizability when compared to conventional stamped-steel factory components. These benefits combine to enhance the handling, stability, and overall performance of a vehicle.

Tubular control arms improve stability while driving straight and cornering capabilities

Tubular control arms offer a range of benefits over conventional stamped-steel factory components, including improved stability and cornering capabilities.

Firstly, tubular control arms are stronger and lighter than standard control arms. This weight reduction improves handling and performance, and the increased strength enhances durability.

Secondly, tubular control arms improve stability while driving in a straight line. This is due to the increased caster, which refers to the forward or backward slope of the line connecting the upper and lower pivot points. This helps with steering balance and high-speed stability on straightaways.

Thirdly, tubular control arms improve cornering capabilities. Camber refers to the inward and outward tilt of the tires, which is crucial for keeping the vehicle on the road when taking hard turns at high speeds. Tubular control arms also feature taller ball joints, which further improve cornering performance.

In addition, tubular control arms provide a smoother ride. They are designed with polyurethane or Delrin bushings, which are firmer than standard rubber bushings. This reduces flexing and vibrations, resulting in a more comfortable driving experience.

Lastly, tubular control arms enhance the appearance of a vehicle. Their sleek and sporty design can give a car a race-inspired look, improving its overall aesthetic appeal.

Overall, tubular control arms offer significant advantages over conventional control arms in terms of stability, cornering, ride quality, and aesthetics.

They can be installed with factory uppers and lowers, or as a full set

Tubular control arms are a popular choice for car enthusiasts who want to improve their vehicle's handling and performance. These control arms offer a range of benefits, including weight reduction, increased strength, and improved suspension geometry. But one question that often comes up is whether tubular control arms are considered an altered suspension by insurance companies.

When it comes to insurance, any modifications to your vehicle can potentially impact your coverage. Tubular control arms can be installed as an upgrade to the factory suspension, but does this constitute an alteration that needs to be declared to your insurance company? The answer may vary depending on your insurance provider and specific policy details.

Tubular control arms can be installed in different configurations, depending on the desired outcome and the vehicle's original suspension design. One common approach is to install them in combination with factory upper and lower control arms. In this setup, the tubular arms act as an upgrade, providing improved performance while retaining the original equipment. This option can be attractive to those who want to enhance their suspension without departing too far from the stock configuration.

Installing tubular control arms with factory components can be a relatively straightforward process. It typically involves bolting the new parts in place of the original control arms, ensuring proper alignment, and making any necessary adjustments. This type of installation may not be considered a significant modification by insurance providers, especially if the tubular arms are designed as a direct performance replacement. However, it is always advisable to consult with your insurance company to clarify their specific guidelines.

On the other hand, tubular control arms can also be installed as part of a full aftermarket suspension setup. In this case, both the upper and lower control arms are replaced with tubular variants, often accompanied by other suspension modifications such as coilovers, sway bars, and bushing upgrades. Such an extensive modification can significantly transform the handling and performance of the vehicle, moving away from the factory-intended design.

A full set of tubular control arms, combined with other suspension modifications, is more likely to be considered an alteration by insurance providers. This type of comprehensive upgrade can drastically change the vehicle's handling characteristics, ride quality, and suspension geometry. When making such significant modifications, it is generally recommended to inform your insurance company to ensure that your coverage is adequate and that you're compliant with their policies regarding vehicle alterations.

In conclusion, when considering tubular control arms and their impact on insurance, the context of the installation matters. Installing tubular arms with factory components may be viewed differently from a complete aftermarket suspension setup. It is essential to understand your insurance provider's stance on modified vehicles and to disclose any significant alterations to ensure proper coverage. While tubular control arms can provide performance benefits, it is always wise to balance those advantages with the potential implications for your insurance coverage and compliance with relevant regulations.

Tubular control arms can be used with lowered frame mounting holes

• No frame modifications required, replaces stock upper control arms.
• Control arms have positive caster built into them so no need to require offset shafts.
• Upper arms reduce factory bump steer by cutting it in half. (Beneficial for both drag, street, and road racing applications).
• Stock Ball Joints are used.
• Control arms are shipped fully assembled with billet shafts, Top of the Line Del-A-Lum bushings, ball joints, and bump stops.
• Tubular arms are powder coated black.
• Provisions for adjustable bump stops (Drag racing).
• New alignment specifications are included in every kit.
• Upper arms will work with coilover kits.

Another manufacturer, Church Boys Racing, also produces tubular control arms that can be used with lowered frame mounting holes.

They are welded and powder-coated, improving the suspension's appearance

Tubular control arms are a great way to improve the appearance of your suspension. They are welded and powder-coated, giving them a sleek and durable finish that will enhance the look of your vehicle. Not only do they improve aesthetics, but they also offer several performance benefits that can transform the way your car handles.

The process of welding and powder coating tubular control arms results in a strong and durable construction. Welding is a fabrication process that joins metals together by melting and fusing them, creating a strong and permanent bond. This ensures that the control arms can withstand the stresses and forces exerted on them during driving, especially when cornering or driving over uneven surfaces. Powder coating, on the other hand, is a finishing process that involves applying a protective layer of powder, which is then cured to form a hard and durable finish. This finish not only enhances the appearance of the control arms but also provides protection against corrosion and wear.

The combination of welding and powder coating results in tubular control arms that not only look great but also provide improved performance and durability. The welding process ensures that the control arms can handle the rigours of driving, while the powder coating adds an extra layer of protection and enhances the overall aesthetics of the suspension.

Tubular control arms offer several benefits over traditional stamped-steel factory components. They are designed to improve stability while driving in a straight line and enhance cornering capabilities. This is achieved through the addition of caster, which is the angular displacement of the suspension components, improving the self-centring ability of the steering. Camber angles can also be tailored to modern wider wheels and tires, ensuring optimal tire contact with the road.

In addition to improved performance, tubular control arms can also reduce weight. They are typically made from lightweight yet strong materials, such as mandrel-bent DOM tubing, which provides weight savings of up to 15 lbs per side. This weight reduction can lead to improved fuel efficiency and handling dynamics.

When it comes to the appearance of tubular control arms, manufacturers offer a range of customisation options. While the standard finish is often a gloss or matte black powder coating, some manufacturers allow customers to choose from a variety of colours at an additional cost. This allows car enthusiasts to personalise their vehicles and achieve a unique look that reflects their style and personality.

In summary, tubular control arms that are welded and powder-coated not only improve the appearance of your suspension but also offer a range of performance benefits. The combination of welding and powder coating results in a strong, durable, and aesthetically pleasing component. With their improved geometry, weight reduction, and customisation options, tubular control arms are a great choice for car enthusiasts looking to enhance the look and performance of their vehicles.

Frequently asked questions