Air spring: Benefits It Brings to Suspension System
Air spring – An air suspension system is one of the most common vehicle suspension systems nowadays. Due to the fact that it provides a smoother and more comfortable driving experience, it is becoming popular.
An air spring is probably the core secret of how air suspensions outstand. In fact, an airbag, or a bellow, is the thing that replaces the metal spring. What benefits can the air spring bring to us? Vigorairride will answer this question for you today.
Two types of air suspensions that use an Air Spring
Normally, air suspension refers to a suspension system that uses air as the power supplier. Unlike conventional suspension systems that use metal springs, an airbag is working as a spring. Before we get to know more about it.
Let’s check out those two types of airbag suspension systems: semi air spring suspension and full airbags suspension.
Easier spring travel is with semi airbags suspension
Semi-air suspension is a type of suspension that supports the vehicle’s current suspension system. Also, a semi airbag is mainly for vehicles that often carry heavy cargoes. You can see an air spring between the chassis of the rear axle.
With the help of the airbags, the suspension system raises the vehicle’s ride height. Besides, it also allows for greater spring travel. As a result, the semi air ride suspension helps level up your comfort while driving.
Full air spring suspension is the ultimate solution to suspension problems
As an automatically adjustable solution, full air spring suspension is the final answer to possible suspension problems. In fact, a full air suspension system literally gets rid of the conventional suspension system you had in your car.
Then, put the new airbag system in your car. As a result, it could filter out road imperfections, improving ride experience. Besides, the full air suspension decreases crosswind sensitivity, giving you safer driving.
Generally, a complete air suspension system contains many components. These parts include an air spring or airbags, an air compressor, some sensors as well as an electronic control unit (ECU). Also, the full air suspension systems come with remote control, enabling easy control of all functions.
How does an air spring suspension work?
An air spring, or a rubber-made bellow, take place of the coil spring. Then we use the onboard air compressor to fill the airbag with compressed air. And the bellow becomes compressed under load. Accordingly, this causes a decrease in volume and an increase in pressure.
The bellow will return to its original volume, or more importantly, its normal height if more air is pumped into it. The increased pressure in an airbag means that the bellow is stiffer, which is essential for the additional weight. Yet, the ride height is not affected in the meanwhile.
Many high-end saloons, sport utility vehicles, and station wagons now have air suspension systems. Though, some only have an air spring suspension at the rear. This has the advantage that even though the boot (or load area) is full, the vehicle remains level.
An air compressor is a must-have in the air suspension system
There are many components that support the air-filled bellows or air spring suspension. Usually, these components are what they use in traditional steel spring suspension systems.
Also, there’s the air compressor. Often, it is either an electric or belt-driven device that supplies air to the air spring. Also, there is a level sensor that “instructs” the air compressor.
Below is a list of the benefits air spring suspension offers
There are many benefits to air suspension, not the least of which is adjustability. Air suspension systems can adjust vehicle ride height and ground clearance by changing the pressure in the air springs.
This has many benefits. Let’s now look at the many benefits of air suspension systems.
The benefits of a lowering suspension system
There are many benefits to lowering the suspension. Most likely, you’ve climbed into an SUV or truck that has been lifted before. The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon long-term driver’s seat can pose a real challenge.
An air suspension vehicle that allows the driver’s seat to recline for easy entry and exit is truly a luxury.
Improved capacity in load-leveling
Do you remember the load-leveling air suspension properties our military developed for the Second World War? It is still applicable today. If you have ever seen or driven a heavy-duty pickup, it is obvious that the rear springs can hold more weight than their bed.
A spring-type truck may have a rigid rear end that can make it appear like it’s floating in the air. Because the springs are limited in their ability to compress the bed by around 2,000 pounds, it can cause this problem. Yet, these problems can be easily avoided if you use a self-leveling suspension. That is because air spring suspension conforms to different weight ratings easily.
Air spring or airbags suspension systems offer is fuel economy
Fuel economy can be improved by a car that accelerates at higher speeds. A car with a smaller frontal area will be more resistant to wind, or “drag surface”, which is the sum of its coefficient and frontal areas. You will also be able to save money by using less drag for the same work.
Predictive suspension systems that use cameras to detect road imperfections and make road conditions more predictable, work well with air suspension systems. This system is used in vehicles like the Audi A8 and Mercedes-Benz S-Class or other cars.
Outstanding off-road performance
Airbags have the first benefit of improving off-road capabilities. There are many SUVs that use air suspensions. It can also increase vehicle height, improve approach, and depart angles. Airbags are often found on a variety of models such as the Jaguar I-Pace or the Mercedes-Benz GLS.
The suspension also increases the vehicle’s ground clearance, which helps to prevent it from getting stuck on trails or taking damage underneath the vehicle.
Conclusion
What does an air spring or airbags suspension system bring to our vehicles? In other words, what are the benefits air springs bring to our life, driving life in particular?
Constant and automatically adjustable optimal ride height
Improved ride quality for both the drivers and the passengers, especially in off-road conditions.
Enhanced drivability and stability while driving.
Fuel-efficient and environmentally-friendly.
