What is the impact of a lift kit on the handling characteristics of a vehicle?

A lift kit raises the vehicle's ride height, which can significantly influence its handling characteristics. When a vehicle is lifted, the center of gravity also rises. A higher center of gravity can make the vehicle feel less stable, particularly when cornering or making sudden maneuvers. As a result, the handling can be degraded due to increased body roll and a potential decrease in steering responsiveness.

Additionally, changes to suspension geometry and the angles of other critical components can adversely affect the suspension's ability to absorb bumps and maintain contact with the road. This can lead to a less predictable vehicle response, especially at higher speeds or during aggressive driving.

While a lift kit may improve ground clearance and allow for larger tires that enhance off-road capabilities, these benefits often come at the expense of stability and control during regular driving conditions. Therefore, the overall impact of a lift kit is typically a degradation of handling characteristics, making C the correct answer.