The car’s suspension system is the part that connects to the wheels and allows for some movement between them. It consists of the tires, linkages, springs, shock absorbers, and tire inflation. Hydraulic and air suspension are two different things but these suspensions have their advantages and disadvantages. Experts have always found it difficult to distinguish between air and hydraulic suspension. In this blog, we will explore the differences between air and hydraulic suspension systems and determine which is better.
Hydraulic Suspension vs Air Suspension
| Hydraulic Suspension | Air Suspension | |
| Definition | Hydraulic suspension systems are a recent adaption in the automobile field. The hydraulic system is a subsystem that supplants the spring with the oil and the compressed gas to reduce the effects of the road’s stresses and shocks. | Air suspension can be described as a type of vehicle suspension that works under an air pump or a compressor that is either electric or engine. It uses compressed air. |
| Working | In a hydraulic suspension system, the wheel movement facilitates a piston to force oil from one chamber through a damper valve to the other. The pressure associated with the pumped fluid impacts and bounces off a diaphragm packed full of compressed gas in each chamber of the system. The oil is made to return to the initial chamber which in turn forces the wheel to grab the road. Compressed gas and oil are used in this mechanism to absorb the surface forces. The synthetic rubber and the tire air both contain certain measures of holding ability. This liquid is supported by four dampers each of which is similar to a driving condition. | Steel springs at each wheel are swapped out for bladders in an air suspension system, which can be filled or drained using an air pump on the vehicle. The variation in the volume of air within the bladders is what changes the elevation of the vehicle as controlled by the compressor. This adjustment also affects how the air-filled pouch trims the perch it rests upon. The shape of this perch controls how the spring rate evolves in combination with the ride height or in other words, how stiff or mushy the ride is. |
| What is used in it? | In hydraulic suspension, pressurized liquids or compressed gases are used. | In air suspension, pressurized air is used. |
| Suspension Kit | A hydraulic suspension kit is more expensive. | It is less expensive than a hydraulic suspension kit. |
Advantages & Disadvantages of Hydraulic Suspension System
Advantages
It improves the comfort of the driver’s seat as well as the drive. Specifically, the reaction time is increased, which means that the suspension’s reaction on rough surfaces will be almost immediate. The hydraulic liquid controls how the car deals with stress that is received while on those rough roads. The shock is well isolated using liquid and compressed to provide the necessary pressure thereby making the vehicle work efficiently. The other strength of this system is its flexibility. You can, for instance, set the shocks to your desired height.
Disadvantages
Every system has its drawbacks and in the case of the hydraulic suspension system brings elegance and comfort to driving and is smooth, but it costs a lot of money. Moreover, there will be some extra expenses attached to the car, which you will have to incur as car maintenance costs which could be at times very expensive. Whether one of the four dampers is leaking, it would be a disaster for the entire system. It will be seen that leaks can occur in hydraulic suspension systems at any of the following places. In each oil change, the hydraulic pressure should be inspected.
Advantages & Disadvantages of Air Suspension System
Advantages
Air suspension is more efficient, has a smoother ride, and is easy to handle. It brought a very good reputation regarding its usage for tuning purposes. They can also be used in towing and hauling. On air ride suspensions, steel coil springs like those commonly used in ordinary cars are not needed. This rules out the mechanical springs from wearing out or even breaking at some point.
Disadvantages
A disadvantage of the air suspension system is that the bags can burst when the rubber seals dry up over a particular period. It is the most common air suspension fault that one faces. Suspension air springs compress the air, and in this system, motor compressors can wear out or fail because of a ruptured suspension seal that doesn’t let the pressure build up. Air ride suspension is an expensive automobile technology with much higher costs than the prices of simple basic suspension parts used in most automobiles. Used on premium cars, for instance, high-end luxury cars.
Conclusion: Which is Better?
It depends on your requirements and performance but if you want customizable then a hydraulic suspension kit is much better than an air suspension kit. If you want to improve the towing performance then the air suspension system is much better.
If you are seeking suspension repair in Dubai then don’t wait and book your appointment with Hytec Auto Garage professionals to get a reliable and exceptional repair with advanced techniques.
