Air has been used in more than one place in your vehicle for a long time now. Air suspension has been used mostly in luxurious vehicles most of the time but nowadays it's becoming more of a mainstream option. This is because it works so effortlessly thanks to the airbag and shock combination which together make for a more enjoyable drive.
But in order for this air to be introduced into the bags it's first stored into a tank and collected by a compressor which pressurises it in order for more air to fit into the tank and to make filling up the bags quite easy. There are also valves and solenoids that help with the air transfer as well as lines that connect to the tank with the compressor and bags.
Benefits of Airbag Suspension
Smooth
The reason why air suspension is becoming more common than ever is because it's able to provide a smooth driving experience. Thanks to the air-filled bags on each corner of a vehicle an airbag suspension system makes a car feel floaty which is what most people want from a relaxing drive.
Comfort
Thanks to this waftiness, an air suspension system makes for a much more comfortable experience than you get with a setup of coilovers. If you want to feel like you're on a boat you should go with air suspension as nothing beats the level of comfort it offers no matter the road conditions you're driving on.
Economy
While you might be surprised, an airbag suspension system can help improve fuel economy. This is because you can adjust the amount of air present in the airbags so that the ride stiffens according to the type of terrain you're going to be driving on. A softer ride isn't always a good thing especially not on harsh terrain as the car will come unsettled way too much.
Versatile
This ability to fill the airbags with air or to take some air out of them just like you would with your tyres, gives you a more versatile ride. This is because you can adjust your vehicle's suspension to the type of driving you're going to do. If you're going for a more spirited drive you can let some air out, otherwise you'll leave the airbags full.
What to Look for in Airbag Suspension Systems
Capacity
The weight capacity of your air bag suspension kit will let you know if you can use it on your vehicle or not. This is where you should check the weight of your car as well as its load-carrying capacity. The total of those two numbers should be what the air suspension you want to install is able to handle. It's recommended that you even look for airbag suspension kits that have a slightly higher weight capacity than what you need.
Pressure
The amount of pressure an air bag suspension kit can produce is going to be vital for the stability of your car. The higher the maximum air pressure the more air can be introduced to both the tank and air bags. Usually, a kit with a load capacity between 900 kg and 1360 kg should be able to produce anywhere between 5 and 5.5 bar. While those that can handle up to 2200 kg should be able to produce up to 7 bar.
Lift
The amount of height you can gain with an air bag suspension kit will tell you a lot about its versatility. Those that can lift your vehicle higher than usual, are able to let you go off-roading as you will have higher ground clearance.
Tank Size
The size of the tank will determine how much air you'll be able to store for later use. The bigger the tank the better but also the more weight you're going to add to your vehicle. If you have a capable enough compressor you won't have to worry about getting a large tank.
Types of Airbag Suspension Systems
Sleeve-Style
A sleeve-style air bag suspension kit is one that rolls its sleeves on itself. One end gets folded when compressed and the other extends when ride height increases. This vertical inflation is what makes sleeve-style systems useful if you don't have much space in your car.
Convoluted
With a convoluted suspension system or bellow air springs, you get one or two balloons that will spread the weight of your car by being squished outwards. Although they take up more space they are ideal for heavy-duty vehicles, especially with a leaf-spring setup. If you have a work truck or a caravan to tow, convoluted airbag suspension kits are the way to go.
Final Words
No vehicle is made perfect even if it comes with air suspension but if yours doesn't have air suspension and you like to enjoy its benefits then you can go for a kit. As long as you find one that satisfies the needs of your vehicle then you should be able to make use of it and enjoy a more luxurious and a more versatile ride.
