The purpose of air suspension is to reduce weight through compact construction and to achieve a self-leveling suspension. This article will discuss the uses of air suspension as well as the advantages and disadvantages to determine if it is worth it.

Air Suspensions

What is air suspension?

An air suspension is a vehicle suspension powered by an electric pump or compressor that pumps air into flexible bellows, usually made of fabric-reinforced rubber. Air suspension also differs from hydro-pneumatic suspension in that it uses pressurized air rather than pressurized fluid.

Uses of Air Suspensions

Air suspensions replace traditional steel spring suspensions in heavy-duty vehicle applications for smooth and constant ride quality. Air suspensions are popular in trucks, trailers, buses, and even low-frame trucks and passenger trains.

Air Suspension

Advantages and Disadvantages of Air Suspension 

Benefits of Air Suspension

1. Driving comfort

If a truck is loud, the noise, vibration, and harshness can cause fatigue and discomfort for the driver sitting in the cab for long periods of time, and may even cause hearing loss. Fatigue is a major killer of safe driving, so it is important to minimize driver fatigue as much as possible.
Trucks with air suspension glide over bumps more easily and have a reduced tendency to bounce over rough terrain when empty in short-wheelbase trucks, consequently, increasing driver confidence in handling.

2. Efficient

The suspension can optimize ride height based on speed, road type, and whether the truck is fully loaded or empty. Usually, an unloaded truck will be higher than a fully loaded truck because the suspension is not compressed, but an air suspension can reduce the ride height. Driving at a lower ride height means better aerodynamic performance and cornering performance.

3. Reduced tire wear

Trailers tend to last longer when using air suspension because the effective suspension keeps the tires from vibrating as much, thus reducing tire wear.

4. More versatile load

Air suspension can automatically level the suspension to create a better grip when the load is unevenly distributed, thus providing better braking and axle loading, improving the ability to transport certain loads. Fragile loads such as large glass panes or antiques can be transported in trucks or trailers with air suspension because the air suspension allows for less risk of breakage.

5. Terrain versatility

Air suspension is available for all wheels and can be leveled under any load. It not only ensures that the truck is level left and right with uneven loading to reduces body roll at corners. It also allows the trailer to be built to a higher top and lower floor while maintaining consistency and ensuring the trailer is never super high.
In addition, drivers can choose a softer ride on the highway and a harder ride for better handling on challenging roads.

6. Environmental benefits

Less vibration is transmitted through the road surface, which means it causes less damage to roads and bridges. The number of road repairs can be reduced. Not only does maintenance cause traffic congestion, but the associated machinery and materials can also cause pollution when they are repaired. Improved fuel economy means less pollution of the atmosphere. Load flexibility means that trucks can be used for more applications and are less likely to run empty and thus waste fuel.

7. Resale value

Trucks and trailers with air suspensions also have better resale value.

Disadvantages of Air Suspensions

1. Air suspensions have a higher initial cost and require more maintenance.
2. Drivers need to know how to make the most of it by using the correct settings.
3. The weight of the air suspension over the weight of the blade suspension may affect fuel efficiency
4. Internal rust or moisture damage may cause the air strut to fail.
5. Air suspensions are prone to air leaks, which can lead to failure.
6. Compressor burnout due to air leaks in the springs or constant engagement of the compressor’s air struts to maintain proper air pressure.

Are you looking for a reliable air suspension for your vehicle system? If so, then you’ve come to the right place, you can always browse our website to learn about the quality air suspensions we sell and contact us anytime with questions.