Car enthusiasts are one of the groups of people most inclined to make modifications to their cars, and one of the biggest modifications that they make is the installation of air suspension. You’ll be attracted to the chance to adjust your car or truck’s stance at the touch of a button.
Because there are various components to every suspension kit, many inquiries spring up surrounding air suspension. And the primary thought that arises in our mind is, what are the pros and cons of air suspension?
We are moving forward with this subject matter and looking into what air suspensions are all about. Often, people are made to ask, “Is air suspension worth it?” Undoubtedly, the answer is yes! Air suspension systems are extremely beneficial for your car, as they are comfortable, supportive, and good-looking.
What is an Air Suspension?
You need to know about the design of an air suspension before you are capable of making a sensible comparison between the benefits of such a system and the drawbacks. An air suspension system is a suspension alternative that replaces the conventional shocks and struts of your vehicle with an air suspension.
Air suspension is an optional add-on that can be installed on certain vehicles from the factory, but we’ll make sure you understand the process. This type of suspension system holds many components. The largest of these is the air tank. Other components include the airlines, the air compressor, and the struts.
While the stringed air struts are the main structural components of the suspension system, they additionally help to expand the pressurization of the air. The inflatable bladder in the air strut is used to elevate your car to an optimal height and then lower your car or truck to a secure position. These systems can be controlled via an iOS or Android mobile application or even by a wireless controller, depending on specific setup settings.
Pros And Cons Of Air Suspension –
Air suspension has undergone extensive engineering work since its introduction just to operate with precision. The flexible suspension of the vehicle can easily pass curbs and hills, but these systems use high-pressure, industrial gas bottles for a brief duration when more prevalent installations are implemented. Now that we’re discussing air suspensions, let’s take a look at the advantages and challenges of such a setup.
Pros of Air Suspension
Installing an air suspension system allows for several practical advantages. That is one reason you see these kits being installed more today. Check out the advantages air suspension systems provide.
- Excellent Ride Quality
The most useful feature of an air suspension is the smoothness of the ride it provides. Air pumps supply compressed air to a series of shock absorbers, working in concert with a suspension system to keep the car comfortable even on rugged terrain. Air suspension systems can also provide automated leveling, keeping the vehicle at the correct angle for safe operation.
- Better Adjustability
Are you looking forward to reaching your next family reunion and avoiding car-related accident scratches on a large speed bump? No problem. Air-bag suspension allows you to have the best of both situations with the flip of a switch.
The air lift’s advantage over traditional platforms is its versatility of adjustment according to load. The elevation of the vehicle can be adjusted depending on the overload, the elevated or lying-down modes making loading easier than from anywhere else. Air suspensions are intended to provide uniform traction across all wheels and decrease rolling resistance when turning.
There’s less risk of body roll because there is less damage when body contact is reduced, and there is less damage to the car or truck as there is less load shifting and less wear on the tires. Increased control is achieved with greater stiffness with greater reliability for towing larger vehicles.
- Versatility
Air suspension system permits drivers to make air-ride adjustments to the car according to their preferences for ride comfort and handling when traveling on many different surfaces. When the driver can choose between a softer ride for freeway driving or a more challenging setting for mountain roads, the driver maintains control no matter what the environment.
Lighter maneuvering and more control of cornering speeds can be attained by the air suspension due to its unique cornering capabilities. An adjustable suspension that raises the electric vehicle to the ground lowers the drag at high speeds. Additionally, the ability to raise the vehicle for everyday use is a practical feature for car owners.
- Diminished Noise and Vibration
Nobody welcomes that irritating noise or extreme vibration coming from the suspension while driving. However, when you have an air suspension, you might be less worried about the fact. Air suspension absorbs road shocks, minimizing the wear and tear on the suspension system and vehicle parts.
This is especially important when driving with a heavy load. Air suspension minimizes vehicle disruption caused by potholes, bumps on uneven road surfaces, and the speed differential between your car and other traffic, maximizing your car’s success on the roads and bridges.
- No Hassle of Springs
Air suspension requires no steel coil springs that frequently serve as a suspension component in motor vehicles. This takes away the chances of wear and tear and breakage due to rust on springs, which could happen with an older car with a conventional suspension system.
The absence of springs also frees up more storage space underneath the vehicle, though much of this space is needed for the compressors and airbags that the automotive ride suspension uses. Still, designers of racing cars have a lot more liberty to arrange the engineering parts beneath the car because of this capability.
Cons of Air Suspension
Whatever thing comes into the world will never be perfect, and the same applies to an air suspension system as well. Because they do have some drawbacks, people will sooner or later share with you how this system falls short. Here are some cons of air suspension systems mentioned below:
- Reliability
Air ride suspension can be affected by several different failures that are not an issue with other types of suspension. Compressed air can escape due to road debris serving as rubber gaskets dry over time.
Airbags can burst from road debris, rubberized gasket cracking, or tire inflation failure. Cables that connect the airbag to the rest of the suspension are often at risk of failing. Compressor motors can burn out or become tired if they run constantly to prevent tire pressure fluctuation.
- Maintenance
When you have a component in your car that’s susceptible to being damaged frequently, eventually it will require more maintenance. Air suspension vehicles have a relatively high track record from the start, but the reality they’re more often exposed to wear and tear means the potential for mechanical issues is significantly higher.
Repairing the suspension is not a good choice; even if your car’s suspension is broken, it will tilt to one side when you drive. You may be able to install a conventional steel spring in place of the memory foam air spring in your air suspension vehicle at a slight expense but lose the distinct benefits of air spring vehicles.
- Costly
Air ride suspension makes up a highly invasive type of auto technology, unlike the relatively inexpensive and easy suspension components the majority of automobiles employ. Because of this, it’s suitable only for vehicles with deluxe reputations, such as high-end sedans and heavy-duty trucks.
Luxury cars are more likely to come with an integrated air suspension as a standard feature. However, installation expenses may be covered by the price increase that amounts to an even greater profit compared to vehicles with a conventional steel suspension.
- Mechanical Problems
Mechanical issues are quite common in air suspension systems. Your suspension may suffer corrosion due to rust or harmful effects from moisture, or an air fitting failure would result in the compressor burning out. It is crucial to pay attention to water leaks in the struts of your air spring system as they could lead to compressor burnout.
Is Air Suspension Good For Daily Drive?
A common concern we get is, “Is air suspension good for everyday use?” The answer to this question is yes, since raised vehicles when well maintained are a strong and practical option for remote destinations. Not operating your air suspension system or performing installation incorrectly may cause issues that could render air suspension problematic.
Make certain there is never any liquid or water in the water tank in the winter months. A water trap can protect your tank from freezing and ensure no liquids freeze during winter. You should also inspect all of your components and airlines to be sure they are all in good working order. This is very important to ensure your home stays comfortable.
FAQ
Is air suspension good for daily driving?
Air suspension is a great choice for daily drivers, as it provides a smooth, comfortable ride and helps to maintain vehicle stability on the road. It’s also perfect for drivers who frequently transport large items or drive in challenging conditions, such as off-road or in snow. Air suspension can be set to stiffen or soften depending on the needs of the driver, making it an extremely versatile option.
How long do air ride suspensions last?
Air ride suspensions last anywhere from 80,000 to 100,000 miles. Ultimately, the lifespan of an air ride suspension depends on the amount of use it gets and the quality of the installation. Well-maintained air ride suspensions can last longer than those that are not well-maintained.
Is air suspension hard to maintain?
Air suspension is quite a bit easier to maintain than traditional steel coil suspension. With air suspension, you only have to worry about leaking air shocks and checking the pressure in the shocks every once in a while. With coil suspension, you have to worry about rusting springs, shock absorber failure, and alignment issues.
Can you drive fast with air suspension?
Yes, you can drive fast with air suspension. Air suspension systems are designed to provide a smooth, stable ride, and they are usually able to handle high speeds without any problems. However, it’s important to note that your driving style may need to be modified when you’re using an air suspension system. You may need to take corners more slowly and use less acceleration when you’re driving on a road that has tight curves or bumps.
Do you have to refill the air suspension?
Yes, air suspension systems require regular refilling to maintain optimum performance. The frequency with which this needs to be done varies depending on the make and model of the vehicle, but it’s generally advisable to have the system checked and topped up every 10,000 miles or so. Regular maintenance like this is essential for ensuring a safe and comfortable driving experience.
End Remarks
After weighing both the pros and cons of air suspension, we have reached a certain conclusion. Those with an air suspension know it takes time to install and maintain, but the benefits are certainly worth the investment. Air suspension systems have several advantages, including their ability to transform easily depending on the mode and terrain of the vehicle.
It provides a greater degree of comfort and quality when driving, the ability to handle hilly conditions, and the ability to transport a wide range of loads.
Read also:
