Air suspension is a component found in modern vehicles that adjusts the vehicle's ride height at the driver's request. This highly convenient and practical installation extends the life of the chassis, ensuring driver and passenger comfort.
The use of air suspension has been around for quite some time. Drivers have opted for air suspension, relegating other suspension options to second or third place. This is quite logical: air suspension offers a number of advantages, including increased driving comfort, safety, and practicality.
Interesting facts about the history of air suspension
Looking at the history of air suspension, it's worth noting that it's quite rich in interesting facts. Among the most notable are:
- William Humphreys is the pioneer of air suspension and the first person to understand all its advantages.
- 1901 was the year the world first saw pneumatics. However, the design was far from the modern version.
- The first tests of the pneumatics were unsuccessful, but this did not stop them from continuing to work on improving the unit
- The use of pneumatics was popular for military equipment, as well as in aviation
- 1946 – The unit was first installed on a passenger car
- The presence of four air cushions was typical for the unit in the 20th century
- sports cars were also equipped with the design
- The first pneumatic system, which is most similar in design to the modern unit, came off the assembly line in the 60s of the 20th century.
Air suspension has become quite popular among drivers who value quality and comfort above all else. For this reason, most cars equipped with this type of suspension belong to the premium segment. Any car can be improved with this design. The key is to understand how appropriate this upgrade is for each individual vehicle.
Arguments in favor of air suspension
Most car enthusiasts agree that installing an air suspension makes driving much more comfortable and safer. The design really helps you feel the difference between different suspension types, as it offers a number of advantages:
- the device is extremely simple to operate and requires no maintenance
- If we talk about cost, a car with this type of suspension will be more expensive than other cars, but it won't hit your budget too hard.
- the ability to adjust the vehicle's ground clearance directly from the car's interior, without wasting time and effort on performing actions outside the car
- the ability of the system to withstand significant pressure and operate in difficult operating conditions
- the ability to improve driving quality, reduce stress, and improve controllability and maneuverability.
As the history of the design's creation and development shows, all these and many other advantages weren't always well received by drivers. But time has changed their minds, allowing for an objective assessment of the system's full benefits.
Instead of results
Air suspension is considered the optimal choice for both passenger cars and trucks. Reputable automobile manufacturers install only high-quality components on their products, guaranteeing long-lasting performance, regardless of driving style and intensity. The development of air suspension stems from the desire to improve driving comfort.
In addition to the advantages already mentioned, the vehicle's aesthetically pleasing appearance is also worth noting, which is one of the primary reasons many drivers choose this system. Manufacturers recommend paying close attention to the technical condition of the unit, which will help prevent breakdowns, detect problems at an early stage, and promptly resolve them.
Whether or not to choose pneumatic tires is a personal decision, as there are arguments both for and against the system. When choosing a car, equipping the chassis with pneumatics becomes a key selection criterion for many. As history shows, the idea of making cars as comfortable and controllable as possible originated over 100 years ago, and the fact that the original design has finally been perfected suggests its use is entirely appropriate.