A lowrider is a car or truck which has had its suspension system modified (usually with hydraulic suspension) so that it rides as low to the ground as possible. Lowriders are very often classic cars from the 1950s which rode low to begin with, although large numbers of 1940s and 1960s cars are also so modified, and to a lesser degree newer vehicles. The word is also used to refer to those who drive or own such cars.
 

Description of vehicles

Lowriders are very often flashy, show-quality custom vehicles. The exteriors typically feature expensive custom paintjobs (the best are often referred to as candy) that consist of several thin layers of different colors, metal oxide flake or pearl flake, clear coat, metal leaf, airbrushed murals or script, pinstripes, flames or any other hand-painted graphics, or any combination of the above. Lowriders traditionally feature small (to be able to tuck beneath the wheelwell and allow the lowest ride heigth), gold or chrome spoke wheels with or without knockoffs and whitewall tires. Other common custom exterior enhancements are; body kits or skirts, extensive use of chrome or gold, neon or LED lights, curb-feelers, tinted windows, antennas or fins, spoilers, and fifth wheels (a full matching spare on display). The most detailed vehicles have engine, exhaust and performance modifications and/or beautifications.

Custom interiors are also very popular and are most commonly fabricated in leather, tweed, or velvet. Other common custom interior enhancements are; the use of woodgrain panels or interior paint, neon or LED lights, chrome or gold accents, cosmetic mirrors, aftermarket steering wheels (of which a chain-link steering wheel is iconic), and various fuzzy objects that hang from the headliner or rear-view mirror. Many lowriders now feature any combination of mobile electronic audio and video devices, most stereotypically a loud audio system that features a powerful amp and large subs (or woofers) and primarily focuses on producing massive amounts of bass.

Many lowriders feature custom hydraulic suspension systems that allow the driver to alter the ride height at will. These systems range from simple to complex and are usually measured by the amount of switches used to control the various hydraulic combinations that ultimately produce a specific motion from the vehicle. The most common motions are dipping/raising the four corners of the vehicle (referred to as corners), dipping/raising the front or rear of the vehicle (front, back), dipping/raising the sides of the vehicles (side to side), and lowering/raising the vehicle as a whole (pancake). A skilled switch operator can manipulate his controls (hitting switches) to raise one wheel completely off the ground (3-wheel motion), or to bounce one end of the car completely off the ground (bouncing, hopping, dancing, hanging, amongst many others).

Lowriders were originally a facet unique to cholo culture, but have since become common to urban youth culture in general. This culture was celebrated in the 1975 song "Low Rider" by the funk group War. Today the lowriding scene is diverse with many different cultures, vehicle makes and visual styles. Essentially all the options available to today's custom automobile creator are also available to the lowrider builder, and lowrider style varies greatly from region to region.

Summer is the most popular season for lowriders, as the weather often encourages being outside either in or nearby the vehicle. Most lowrider clubs have weekly meetings in the summer where owners and friends will have a BBQ/cookout followed by cruising a popular drag (or strip) after dark. Aside from local drags and their parking lots (hence the term, parkin' lot pimpin'), lowriders are most commonly seen at privately organized lowrider car shows that often feature a variety of different vehicular and non-vehicular events, the most popular of which are the hydraulic competitions and the wet T-shirt/bikini contests. There are several magazines devoted to presenting, preserving, and chronicling lowrider culture, the best known of which is Lowrider magazine, currently published by Primedia.

Lowriders have been a prominent feature in Hip-Hop culture, primarily in West Coast hip-hop where the 1964 Chevy Impala ragtop is widely considered to be the most desirable lowrider, Daytons are widely considered to be the most desirable manufacturer of spoke rims (100 is widely considered to be the most desirable number of spokes per Dayton), and sixteen is widely considered to be the most desirable number of switches.

Expansion to bicycles and motorcycles

A new breed of lowrider bicycles and even the occasional motorbike have been inspired by lowrider culture. Excessive chrome, overspoked wheels and fur are common accessories to these low and bizarre custom creations. Often featuring suspension long since rendundant from modern design.
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