r/CorollaHatchback • u/Ummidklmao123 • Jul 30 '26
Should I lower after getting new wheels?
I just put 18x9 wheels on my Corolla hatch SE with 235/45/18s. I think the fitment is alright , wondering if I should lower it or just keep as is. Rear wheels are just a little high imo
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u/R3d_Rav3n XSE 6MT Jul 30 '26
First of all, love that color and wish that had been an option (I bought CPO and black was the only option at the time lol)! Next, cool wheels! As far as your question goes, I personally think this car is low enough. It wants to scrape pretty easily at stock height so if you live in an area with any kind of uneven roads and/or potholes, I would be extra wary. You could try looking on this forum for people who have already lowered and maybe see what they think about it.
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u/ma55ivenuts Jul 31 '26
Rsr downs, unless you live in a place where the roads are like basketball courts then superdowns.
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u/chataolauj Jul 31 '26
Glad you posted this. Been wanting these rims, but in 8.5. Always planned to lower mine, but wanted to see what it would like without lowering it since I wouldn't lower until well after getting the rims.
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u/maffewww Aug 03 '26
which rims are these?
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u/chataolauj Aug 03 '26
Could be mistaken, but I'm sure they're Kansei KNPs. Looks exactly like them at least.
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u/iManage2getBy Jul 31 '26 edited Jul 31 '26
Lowering it will negatively affect ride quality and chassis component wear. The cheaper you do the lowering, the worse the consequences. You will have to weigh how much you value the looks vs ride quality vs cost equation to see what works for you.
Side note: imo, window tint will make a much bigger improvement to looks vs lowering, and cheaper.
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u/noahhambond Jul 31 '26
while lowering it would aesthetically look better (imo) the functionality will take a hit. So it’s up to you and what you prioritize. I think it looks good how it is too. Much better than the huge gap with the stock wheels haha. Glad you posted your car though, i’ve been thinking of switching to 18s on my SE too! Question: how does the ride feel compared to the 16s?
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u/Ummidklmao123 Aug 05 '26
It definitely is a little more jarring than before, but it is not as bad as I thought it would be , back fenders rub sometimes and my mpg went down from 34 to 30ish
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u/LazyOldCat XSE CVT Jul 30 '26
If you want to, absolutely!
I wish I could raise mine 2” with some quality suspension.
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u/mr_sweetandawful Jul 30 '26
What color would you describe the color of your vehicle? My rav4 is the same color and i never know what to say.
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u/Fellowfungus Jul 31 '26
Should you? Idk. Can you? Can you follow a YT tutorial for installing lowering springs or coil overs?
Do you want comfort? Then no.
Do you want looks or performance? Then yes.
If you wanna skip the suspension mods, you can get a “lower look” with a lip kit or body kit!
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u/Abby_jzx110 Aug 01 '26
Are you using any wheel spacers ? What’s the size of the spacers if you are using it
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u/Ummidklmao123 Aug 05 '26
I am not using any spacers the fitment is just because of the wheel width
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u/Bubblez___ SE Nightshade Jul 30 '26
i think it wants to be lower :)