You have problem heard of some people opting for vehicles with air
suspension, but you may wonder if those systems are better or any
different than regular suspension systems. There are differences in
the two suspension systems, and which works best is dependent on
the vehicle and where you will be driving.
Your vehicle’s suspension system is an integral part of a vehicle.
Metal spring suspension is the most commonly used vehicle
suspension systems. Using coil springs and shock absorbers to
maintain bounce, vibration, and wheel oscillation, it compensates
for the irregularities in the road surface, such as bumps and
potholes. The suspension supports any added weight without causing
excessive sagging of the vehicle.
Advanced Technology and Suspension
Suspension adds comfort to improve the riding experience and safe
driving. Advanced technology has been used along with electronic
advances to make the suspension system different on many levels,
including precise handling for vehicles that bear loads. Vehicles
that carry heavy loads have long used air suspension systems, but
in the last decade it has become more popular to use these systems
in other vehicles, replacing the metal springs and offering more
control and the ability to haul larger loads than traditional
springs. Luxury cars and newer model vehicles often have air
suspension or offer it as an option. Air suspension is also now
being used for some motorcycles.
How Do Air Suspension Systems Work?
Rather than the traditional leaf or steel springs, air suspension
systems consist of air springs, which are sometimes referred to as
air or plastic bags. They are comprised of tough rubber and a
system of air lines that are connected to an air compressor that is
onboard as well as electronic controls, valves, and solenoids. An
electric pump is used as the onboard compressor, and it feeds air
to the bags through multiple lines. Air direction control is led by
valves that let the air go into different parts of the system.
When there is an electronic system, the system will adjust for
different driving conditions then solenoids inflate and vent the
suspension’s airbags by closing and opening to change how much air
enters each airbag. There is an electronic control module that
controls all the off and on switches, manages the ride height and
monitors pressure. The air springs are flexible with some
elasticity, so the more they are compressed, the more stiffness
results, offering adjustable load support and suspension by adding
air when the vehicle is riding loaded and then deflating the air as
the vehicle is unloaded.