Air Suspension System in Cars: Working, Types & More

Air suspension system is a modern alternative to traditional suspension systems used in cars. It uses airbags instead of conventional springs and coilovers. Each airbag on the axle is supplied with air by a compressor installed with the suspension system. This automatically maintains the ride height during the drive.

The following paragraphs will provide you with complete details about the air suspension system, its working principle, purpose and uses. 

Types of Air Suspension System 

The working and construction of air suspension systems are more or less similar. However, the difference in size and shape of airbags varied their usage. There are three major types of air suspension systems:

• Convoluted: It contains rubber bellows with large diameters that increase the load capacity of suspension. It is often used in heavy vehicles. 
• Rolling Lobe: The rubber bellows are cylindrical in shape with a smaller diameter. It is often used in sedans and considered essential for increasing the ride height of vehicles.
• Coil Spring Bellows: In this, the rubber bellows are installed inside the pre-installed coil springs. It is used for higher stability and ride quality. 

Cylinder air suspension system, often used for increasing ride height

How Air Suspension Works?

The air suspension system working principle is simple and automated. It consists of airbags, compressor or tank and height sensors. The airbags are connected with a pressure tank that continuously supplies air to the bags. The height sensors connected with the car computer regularly monitor the ride height. When the height is reduced due to additional weight sensors activated and the air is supplied from the compressor to the airbags increasing the height. Similarly, height can be reduced by releasing air from the airbags. However, the process of air release is not automated and requires a driver’s command.

Purpose of Air Suspension

The main purpose of using the air suspension system in sedans is to ensure a smooth riding experience and convenient vehicle handling. The automatic stability also reduces the wear and tear of the suspensions. Higher aerodynamics and lower chances of understeer and oversteer are also the potential purposes of using air suspensions in cars. However, 4×4 cars and trucks, it is used to increase the ride height making vehicles suitable for different terrains. Whereas, heavy commercial vehicles like trucks use this system to maintain their distance from the road after loading cargo weight.

Pros and Cons of Air Suspension System

The air suspension system is considered a reliable replacement for conventional coilover suspensions. However, there are certain features that limit its usage in cars. Here we have listed all the advantages and disadvantages of the air suspension system. 

Pros of Air Suspension

The air suspension is capable of providing many other benefits other than higher driveability quality. 

• Comfortable Ride: The ability of air suspension to automatically adjust on the road increases its shock-absorbing capacity. Thus, lesser bumps are felt inside the cars. Moreover, less wear and tear reduces noises and vibrations in the car. 
• Versatility: The suspension adjustment increases its ability to cope with varied terrains. Drivers can adjust their ride height as per the maneuver, reducing the accident chances. 
• Fuel Economy: Lower ride height makes car mode aerodynamic thus increasing its fuel economy. 

Cons of Air Suspension

Despite the aforementioned benefits, certain elements restrict the widespread usage of air suspensions in vehicles. 

• Mechanical Issues: Air system is more prone to mechanical issues. Air leakage for instance is the most common issue faced in dry and humid weather conditions. Moreover, its efficiency is also reduced in extreme weather conditions. 
• High Maintenance: Air systems are also high maintenance and require regular checkups. If your air suspension malfunctions the car will lean down on one side and it will be almost impossible to drive it. 

Cost of Air Suspension System

Air suspension systems are automatically controlled by car computer

Despite higher popularity and usage, there are very few cars with standard air suspensions. You can get it installed from a professional. The starting price of the air suspension system is AED 1800.  

This was all about the air suspension system in cars. The air suspension is beneficial for driving vehicles on different terrains and also to enjoy higher ride quality. If you are interested in installing this system in your car, browse through these used cars for sale in the UAE. Whereas, if you are not interested in aftermarket products, see the following considerable car models with air suspensions. 

Stay tuned to UAE’s top auto blog for more information on air suspension.