Air suspension in a car: what it is, types, how it works

Air suspension in a car is like pillows, only for the car. They are filled with air and lift the body. This helps the car drive smoothly. Air suspensions can be adjusted to make the car higher or lower, depending on road conditions. How does an air suspension work? What types of this part are there?

How air suspension works in a car

Air suspension consists of air springs and a control system that regulates the pressure in them. This allows the car to rise or fall to improve handling, comfort, and rideability on different types of roads. The air suspension can also automatically adjust the height of the vehicle as the load changes, which is useful when transporting cargo or if there are more passengers in the cabin.

The mechanism of operation of the air suspension can vary slightly from system to system. The underlying processes are as follows:

• A compressor compresses air and directs it to air springs or cushions located at each wheel.
• When the car is moving, sensors monitor the height and position of the body, as well as the pressure in the springs.
• When necessary, the system self-adjusts the spring pressure to maintain optimal ride height and comfort.

In addition, some air suspensions may have sensors that analyze road conditions and the degree of load on the vehicle. The system then adapts the settings for optimal handling and comfort. All of this makes an air suspension an essential piece of equipment to keep your car driving smoothly and comfortably under a variety of driving conditions.

Types of Air Suspension

Although air suspensions have a similar operating principle, they differ in the type of installation and their capabilities. Some are designed to make it easier to control the car on rough roads. Others give a more precise adjustment of the car's height. There are also systems with sensors that automatically adjust the desired height of the suspension according to the situation on the road.

The main types of air suspension for a car are:

• Independent air suspension is used on each wheel separately. It provides better traction and comfort over bumps because each wheel can move independently of the others.
• Multi-chamber air suspension is special in that each air spring has several chambers. They change the rigidity of the suspension depending on the road conditions and the driver's preferences.
• Adaptive air suspension with sensors continuously monitors road conditions and vehicle behavior. It can automatically adjust suspension stiffness and height to provide optimum comfort and handling in a variety of conditions.

Independent air suspension is needed on rough roads. Multi-chamber air suspension can be adjusted more finely in its stiffness and height. Adaptive air suspension is suitable for those who want to combine comfort and handling, as it automatically adapts to different road conditions and driving styles.