Most modern cars fitted with air suspension have a complex electronic system based on height sensors. The system constantly evaluates road surface and driving behavior, responding by changing the vehicle’s ride height in a matter of milliseconds through the following process:
Data collection: height sensors installed on each wheel determine ride height and feed that information back to the main computer
Processing: the suspension system’s computer analyzes the data received from the sensors and uses that information to decide how ride height needs to be adjusted
Compressor: the computer sends instructions to the onboard air compressor, telling it how much compressed air to produce
Manifold: the computer sends instructions to the air manifold on how much air each air spring will need
Air springs adjustment: the compressor generates the required amount of compressed air, sending it to the manifold, where it travels to the air springs via air-lines. The ride height is adjusted to the appropriate level.
Some vehicles come with load-leveling capability, which means the ride height for front and rear wheels can be adjusted independently. This helps keep the vehicle level when heavy loads are added or removed. Load-leveling capability is especially useful in pickup trucks and SUVs to keep the vehicle’s rear from dropping when hauling heavy cargo.
