Types of Suspension Systems in Cars
Suspension is one of the most important systems in a car, connecting the wheel with the car structure. With the development of the automotive industry, engineers invented new types of suspension to increase driving comfort and safety. What are the most popular types of suspension systems?
Over time, new types of suspensions have been developed, but the function of each is the same — it is to connect the wheels with the rest of the car. How does the system, which is one of the key elements in the car, work?
What is car suspension for?
In the suspension, it is not enough to permanently attach four tires to the chassis. Various road situations have required automotive manufacturers to provide innovative vehicle solutions.
This is why the car’s suspension is responsible for guiding the wheels. The element must be stable and obey the driver. For this purpose, wishbones or rods are installed. On the one hand, this part of the suspension must be resistant to, for example, driving into potholes, and at the same time these parts must not block the steering of the car too much.
In addition, the system is also responsible for springing and amortizing the car . This affects driving comfort and safety. Hence, shock absorbers and springs appeared in your car. Driving with damaged components can be very dangerous.
What types of suspension are there in cars?
The development of the automotive industry has resulted in suspension being divided into many types. Types of suspension in cars can be classified, for example, in terms of structure.
Dependent suspension, independent and semi-independent suspension
Dependent suspension is the so-called stiff bridge. This means that the movement of one wheel on the axle affects the other. Independent suspension does the opposite. The movement of one wheel does not affect the other. This type is used by the popular MacPherson strut, which is installed, for example, in sports cars. It allows you to save a lot of space, e.g. for the engine. The semi-dependent type is an intermediate solution. One wheel influences the other only to a small extent. This type of suspension uses a torsion beam.
The above mentioned are the most popular types of suspension in the automotive industry. However, manufacturers are constantly developing their inventions and proposing other solutions.
Hydraulic and pneumatic suspension
Have you ever seen jumping cars in US hip-hop videos? Their operation is hydraulic suspension . It allows you to adjust the height of the car’s suspension thanks to hydraulic actuators mounted in the car. These actuators replace standard shock absorbers.
Hydropneumatic suspension is used by, for example, Citroen and Renault cars. Thanks to this solution, you can freely lower and raise the car’s structure, adapting it to road conditions. It is a combination of hydraulic and pneumatic solutions.
There is also a system that uses only air and pressure to operate. Air suspension is an increasingly popular solution in higher-class cars. It allows for effective elimination of even the smallest shocks and vibrations. Modern air suspension uses a computer to read the speed and road conditions, and then makes the car softer or harder. You will find them in cars of brands such as BMW, Audi and Mercedes.
Take care of your suspension!
Remember that regardless of what type of suspension your car has, you need to take care of the entire system. It significantly affects driving comfort and safety. Damaged suspension will prevent the car from passing periodic diagnostic inspection. In extreme cases, a failure may even cause the wheel to break off.
So replace the elements indicated by the diagnostician, observe the car on the road and listen for any suspicious sounds. This is a way to drive calmly and safely!
