ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT AIR SUSPENSION
Are you curious about air suspension but not really sure what it’s all about? Keep reading to learn the need-to-know basics of air suspension and how this upgrade can take your ride to the next level.
SO, WHAT IS AIR SUSPENSION?
Your vehicle’s suspension is the system of parts that connects the frame to the wheels, thus isolating it from the road, allowing for relative motion. In addition to supporting the full weight of your vehicle, suspension systems affect stance, ride height, handling, and ride quality.
In vehicles with a factory coilover suspension, part of this system is a steel coil spring that goes over the shock or strut. In an air suspension system, the coil is upgraded to an enclosed flexible rubber membrane, known as an air spring. These air springs can then be inflated and deflated at the touch of a button, allowing for instant adjustability to tune in the qualities mentioned above.
WHY CHOOSE AIR?
When it comes to achieving the perfect stance for your vehicle, you have three options: lowering springs, coilovers or air suspension. For years, coilovers were the preferred solution because of their adjustable damping and, in some cases, ride height. Today, performance air suspension provides all the same benefits as coilovers, but is unmatched in its versatility and adjustability.
Air suspension is the only suspension choice that allows you to easily adjust ride height on-the-fly with the touch of a button. When your car is equipped with air suspension, you can…
- Slam it down for an aggressive show stance that is lower than any coilover
- Raise it up to clear road obstacles like speed bumps or steep angle transitions
- Enhance your ride quality for comfort using damping and air pressure adjustments
- Create a track-ready set-up with stiff damping, progressive-rate air springs and, in many cases, adjustable camber
WHAT DO I NEED?
Air suspension manufacturers make it simple: with front kits, rear kits, height sensors (where available), and industry leading air management, you get everything you need for a basic installation. If you want to customise your install – like adding a second compressor or choosing a different size air tank – they have lots of options available and an air suspension dealer can help walk you through the process to get started.
What are your thoughts on air suspension? Let us know in the comments...