What Is Air Suspension? | How Does It Work?

Air suspension is a very common word with luxury cars these days. It is a feature everyone wants on their cars, but a lot of people do not know what actually an air suspension is.

Air Suspension is a type of automotive suspension system that uses air-filled bags instead of traditional metal springs to support a vehicle's weight. This system has become increasingly popular in recent years, as it offers several advantages over traditional suspension systems, including improved ride comfort, greater adjustability, and enhanced handling. 

In this article, we will explore how air suspension works and why it has become such a popular choice for modern cars.

The basic principle of air suspension is simple. Instead of using metal springs to support the weight of a vehicle, air suspension uses air-filled bags, which are also known as air springs. These air springs are attached to the suspension components, and they are filled with compressed air to support the weight of the vehicle.

One of the key benefits of air suspension is that it can be adjusted to provide a comfortable ride, regardless of the weight of the vehicle or the road conditions. This is because the air pressure in the air springs can be easily adjusted to provide the desired level of support. For example, if the vehicle is carrying a heavy load, the air pressure can be increased to provide additional support, while if the road conditions are rough, the air pressure can be decreased to provide a smoother ride.

Another benefit of air suspension is that it provides greater adjustability compared to traditional suspension systems. This is because the air pressure in the air springs can be easily adjusted to provide the desired level of support, and the system can be fine-tuned to provide a more comfortable ride and better handling. For example, if the vehicle is being driven on a race track, the air pressure can be increased to provide firmer suspension and better handling, while if the vehicle is being driven on a rough road, the air pressure can be decreased to provide a smoother ride.

Air suspension also provides enhanced handling compared to traditional suspension systems. This is because the air springs can be designed to provide a specific level of stiffness, which can be adjusted to provide the desired level of handling. This makes air suspension ideal for high-performance cars, as it provides the stiffness needed for high-speed driving, while also providing the comfort needed for long drives.

There are two main types of air suspension systems: passive and active. Passive air suspension systems use air springs and air shocks, but they do not have any electronic control systems to adjust the air pressure. This means that the ride quality is determined by the stiffness of the air springs and the damping of the air shocks. Passive air suspension systems are generally less expensive than active air suspension systems, but they do not provide the same level of adjustability.

Active air suspension systems, on the other hand, use air springs and air shocks, as well as an electronic control system to adjust the air pressure in the air springs. This control system can be programmed to provide a specific level of ride comfort and handling, and it can also be adjusted on the fly to provide the desired level of support. This makes active air suspension systems ideal for luxury and high-performance cars, as they provide a high level of adjustability and a comfortable ride.

Words: Sresht Garg