How does air suspension work? Learn about the advantages and disadvantages of this solution

Many vehicles on the market have air suspension. This greatly improves driving comfort. However, this does not mean that hydraulic suspension is not available in other cars! Find out why air suspension is considered one of the best. Read how this element affects driving. Be a conscious driver who knows how the different parts of the car work!

Air suspension - design

For an air suspension to be called that, it must be made up of several different components. One of the most important elements are pneumatic struts, which can be combined with bellows with separate shock absorbers. Replacing the spring causes the damper to operate at slightly different force settings. Also in the car must be:

• control device;
• air compressor;
• valve block;
• high pressure tank;
• Level sensor;
• air channels.

What is the most important element? Of course, it is the control unit that is responsible for the smooth operation of the entire system.

Standard air suspension - how does it work? Learn more

Pneumatics in the car improves the traction parameters of the car. There is less vibration, which makes the car much more comfortable to drive. Air suspension is especially popular in station wagons. Why? This suspension system provides the vehicle with a constant ground clearance, allowing it to be modified as needed. It is also very popular in SUVs and SUVs because it is much better than hydraulic suspension for rough terrain.

Air suspension and the role of shock absorbers

Pneumatic shock absorbers are the main element that distinguishes air suspension from hydraulic. In fact, this name is given to them somewhat exaggerated. In practice, these are pillows (or bellows, as some call them). They are filled with air, which is pumped by the compressor. This, in turn, is usually associated with the so-called car electrics. The car itself regulates the level of their filling depending on the speed or road conditions. That's what makes air suspension so effective!

Air suspension works well in corners

Air suspension ideal for cornering. It has better control over the car's yaw, which makes it much more agile. A car with air suspension also has better ground grip and higher stability.. If you have a choice between a car with hydraulic or air suspension, you're usually better off choosing the latter. The security provided by such a suspension is priceless. This solution is used, for example, in the Mercedes S W220, which was produced until 2005.

Pneumatic shock absorber and its price

How much does an air shock absorber cost? It's hard to say because there is no single fixed price. In some cars, the cost will be 20 euros, but much more often the amount will significantly exceed 1. złoty. Therefore, it cannot be denied that in case of failure, the family budget can be seriously undermined. However, air suspension has so many advantages that it is still one of the best options available on the market. Price should not be the only aspect you take into account if you are concerned about the safety of your loved ones.

Hydraulic vs Air Suspension - Key Differences

Air suspension is a newer invention that provides much better ride comfort.. However, a few years ago he was little known. For this reason, repairing the hydraulic suspension was much easier and cheaper. However, nowadays pneumatics are becoming more and more popular, and perhaps hydraulic suspension will soon become a thing of the past. However, people who care about budget decisions and, for example, want a car only to move around the city, still choose cars with hydraulic suspension.. Much more often, safer pneumatics are recommended for routes.

Hydraulic suspension - cheaper than air suspension?

Hydraulic suspension has its drawbacks, but it is much cheaper to repair. However, it is not easy to name the average cost of replacing this element, because it all depends on the model of the car, its age or the availability of spare parts on the market. However, the more modern version is quite expensive. Air suspension can cost up to 10-12 thousand. zł, or even more, if you need to replace the whole thing. When choosing a car, pay attention to its design. Cars whose suspensions are simple and easy to disassemble will definitely be cheaper to repair. In addition, often such cars are trouble-free, which is also a big plus.

Air suspension is a safe and comfortable solution, but still not as popular as hydraulic. However, the costs of possible repairs should not discourage you if safety is your priority. Air suspension is a thing of new cars, so if you're going to buy a car from a dealership, it's likely to use this new technology.