Pros and Cons of Air Bag Suspension

by Ronel Forbes

June 10, 2023

An airbag suspension was initially designed with weight reduction and compact construction in mind. These technologies would enable self-leveling suspension for heavy trucks, resulting in a smoother ride and more accessible transportation.

Car airbag suspension systems have become quite popular among car enthusiasts and gearheads, but you should always make sure these kits are appropriate for your vehicle before purchasing them. Here is all the information you require regarding the benefits and drawbacks of airbag suspension kits so that you can decide if they are the best option for you.

Please read: RUN-FLAT TIRES: ADVANTAGES, AND DISADVANTAGES

What Is Air Bag Suspension?

Vehicle suspension systems with airbags make for comfortable riding. When it comes to larger vehicles like tractor-trailers, passenger buses, and trucks, these systems take the place of traditional spring and steel suspensions.

Two different kinds of airbag suspensions exist:

Sleeve-style airbags

Air springs in the shape of sleeves: These air springs provide lift and ride control. To get the correct ride fit with this method, compressed air is introduced into the spring, which causes the sleeve to extend. These devices work well in automobiles that have a small interior space. This technique is widely used by light-duty vehicles, race automobiles, and custom street rods.

Bellow-style airbags:

Bellow-style airbags: Bellow-style airbag systems are made of sturdy, reinforced rubber. These airbags can carry more weight because they are bigger than sleeve-style bags. These bags can lift the same amount of weight as sleeves do with about half the air pressure because of their size and form. These systems are easily able to accommodate triple, dual, and single chamber designs, allowing for their use of them in heavy-duty operations under various spatial restrictions.

How Does an Air Bag Suspension Work?

Similar to how balloon functions, air bag suspension for automobiles. An electric pump or compressor is necessary to power air bag suspensions. The rubber bags will be inflated to a specific air pressure by the compressor or pump.

The vehicle’s structural weight may be resisted because of this design. Even with a fully-loaded vehicle, the suspension system can maintain level ground. The car won’t squat or release air when the pressure is right.

Benefits of Air Bag Suspensions

One of the most popular suspension systems on the market is the car airbag suspension kit, and it is simple to understand why. All sorts of automobiles are renowned for providing some of the biggest performance advantages and ease. Consider airbag suspensions for the following reasons:

Enhanced comfort: Car airbag suspension packages are most recognized for their ability to make cars function more smoothly. These suspension systems may float over bumps thanks to complex mechanisms and strong airbags, unlike conventional coil spring suspensions, which typically exhibit a rougher performance under the same circumstances.
increased adaptability: Car airbag suspension kits can be modified to meet your unique requirements. Depending on the road conditions, several kits are made to raise or lower the car, improving overall performance. Lowering vehicles can
Increase responsiveness and encourage driving that uses less gasoline. Raising the car will make it easier to bypass roadblocks and humps.
Better capabilities: To increase a truck’s capacity for hauling and towing, car airbag suspension kits can be raised. These kits come with several components that let you transport large loads without sacrificing efficiency. You can raise the vehicle after installing airbag suspension kits to make up for any added weight. This helps to maintain the vehicle’s level during hauling and towing and avoids tire overinflation, rear drooping, and bottoming out.

Drawbacks of Car Air Bag Suspensions

Although airbag systems have many advantages, you should be aware of their drawbacks as well. If you’re considering installing an air bag suspension kit in your car, be sure to account for these costs since air bag suspensions are an investment. The following are the airbag suspensions main drawbacks:

Installation: Although newer suspensions require less drilling and cutting than older ones, attaching the compressor, tank, and manifold during the initial installation still requires careful attention.
The price to bag a car can vary depending on the particular vehicle, but these systems are expensive for any vehicle, and over time, repairs and services can pile up and become extremely expensive.
Maintenance: Airbag suspension systems have a history of failing more frequently than conventional suspension components. Throughout the system’s lifespan, you’ll need to plan further maintenance and repairs.
Reliability: These systems are susceptible to significant stress. These suspensions will eventually leak if you don’t use high-quality parts, increasing maintenance expenses and possibly posing unwelcome risks like jeopardizing your brakes or impairing vehicle control while you’re riding.

Is There an Alternative to Air Suspension Systems?

Automobile enthusiasts frequently question if there is a less expensive alternative to airbag suspension that offers the same advantages. Vehicles with factory-installed air suspension systems can be equipped with coil spring conversion kits to either remove or replace the air suspension.

Without having to readjust your vehicle and maintain routine maintenance, you can use the current technology to stabilize and improve the suspension.

Conclusion

Despite the gap narrowing in recent years, coil overs remain the best option if handling is a priority for you. There are also more sport-oriented setups available that even allow for modifications like camber.

The last issue is reliability. Airbags can leak, but on modern, high-quality systems, this is thankfully very infrequent. What are your opinions on air suspension? Does your personal car have a system? Post your comments below with your ideas.

Utilize our motor car insurance to ensure that you are financially ready for any unforeseen events.