Cars are becoming more and more complex as time goes by and the fact that they come with more safety systems nowadays is only part of this complexity. But there are various other components and systems regarding other aspects not just performance or safety. A rather advanced system nowadays is the suspension system.
Although it wasn't always the case, especially with the introduction of air suspension, things got a bit out of bounds. Air suspension relies on outside air to be sucked in and stored under load so that your vehicle stays stable while driving even at high speeds. But there's more than just air involved in air suspension systems.
Components of Air Suspension
Air Bags
The main components of every air suspension system are the airbags. They are the ones that support your vehicle. Suspension air bags are essentially heavy-duty vulcanised springs that can be filled with air up to around 100 PSI (7 bar). There are different types of suspension airbags with some being able to work together with shock absorbers and others that rely on calibrated shocks instead.
Tank
Although similar to suspension air bags, the tank too stores air but only for it to be sent to the air springs. The air tank is usually located close to the rear where the spare tyre is in order to make for better weight distribution. With an air tank at the ready at all times, how does it always end up being filled with air?
Compressor
The component that makes your vehicle's air suspension operate the way it does is the compressor. It's vital for the supply of air both to the air tank and suspension airbags. The compressor may not be constantly working but it definitely comes on when there is a lack of air especially in the tank.
Valves
What helps regulate the flow of air going from the compressor to the tank and then the air bags are the valves. Without them, there would be a constant flow of air and that is a no-go for an airbag suspension system as it will be super inefficient and it will make it uncomfortable to drive your car.
Solenoids
Solenoids are used throughout an airbag suspension system in order to help make all of the components work well together. They are electronically operated and help provide the exact amount of air whenever the suspension airbags need it.
Advantages of Air Suspension
Comfort
The number one advantage of air suspension is that it provides the ultimate comfort levels you'll ever get from any suspension system. The shock absorbing capabilities of air suspension are next level which is why when you go over bumps, you barely feel a thing and there are very few vibrations going through.
Versatility
Since the only way you can lower or lift your vehicle's ride height on the go is with air suspension it makes it the most versatile suspension system in that regard. Usually at the press of a button, you can make your vehicle feel more planted on the road or give it more ground clearance.
Handling
While this may not be the main focus of air suspension, the way you handle your car down a twisty road can be vastly improved with the right air suspension setup. Although other types of suspension systems also improve handling, they are not as good at it as air suspension. You can easily stiffen up the suspension or make it more wafty so that you feel like you're in a boat rather than in a race car on a track.
Uses of Air Suspension Systems
Ride Height
An important aspect of every off-roader is to keep the undercarriage clear of rocks and stubs. With air suspension, you can get the exact amount of lift you need in order to avoid damaging the components found on the underside of your car. You can also lower your vehicle's ride height so that it creates less drag and is more stable when travelling on the motorway.
Towing
Another way you can make use of air suspension is for towing. The stability that a lower ride offers can help make hauling a boat or camper van a lot safer since you'll have a lower centre of gravity.
Loading
Also when you're trying to load your vehicle for a road trip or just to haul some more boot-friendly items, you can still make use of air suspension. The adjustability part is what truly makes it stand out as with air suspension you can lower your car to load it up with stuff.
Final Words
Nothing is perfect in the world of cars but when it comes to a car paired with an air suspension system you're pretty close to it. As long as you have your vehicle paired with the right suspension system you can enjoy a comfortable ride and an adjustable one for years to come.Cars are becoming more and more complex as time goes by and the fact that they come with more safety systems nowadays is only part of this complexity. But there are various other components and systems regarding other aspects not just performance or safety. A rather advanced system nowadays is the suspension system.
Although it wasn't always the case, especially with the introduction of air suspension, things got a bit out of bounds. Air suspension relies on outside air to be sucked in and stored under load so that your vehicle stays stable while driving even at high speeds. But there's more than just air involved in air suspension systems.
