Is air suspension bad for daily driving?

Many luxury and performance vehicles come equipped with air suspension systems these days. But is air suspension a good choice for someone who does a lot of daily driving and commuting? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons.

What is Air Suspension?

Air suspension uses air bags or bellows instead of conventional steel springs to support the vehicle’s weight. The air bags can be inflated or deflated to raise or lower the vehicle’s ride height. This allows the suspension to adapt to different driving conditions and loads.

Pros and Cons of Air Suspension

Pros:

1. Smooth and comfortable ride quality
2. Adjustable ride height for different loads
3. Improved handling and stability
4. Better off-road ground clearance capabilities
5. Innovative and advanced technology

Cons:

1. Expensive to purchase and repair
2. Complex system with multiple potential failure points
3. Air leaks can cause sagging or uneven ride height
4. Components like air bags and compressors wear out over time
5. Not well-suited for high mileage daily driving

Is Air Suspension Bad for Daily Driving?

While air suspension offers some advantages, it may not be the best choice for those who do a lot of daily driving and commuting. Air suspension systems are complex and can be costly to maintain and repair, especially as the vehicle racks up higher mileage.

Increased Maintenance Costs
Air suspension components like air bags, lines, and compressors are prone to wear and failure over time. Repairing or replacing these parts can be extremely expensive, often running into the thousands of dollars.

Potential for Sudden Failures
Because air suspension relies on multiple components working together, a single failure can cause the entire system to malfunction. This could lead to a sudden sagging ride height or complete loss of suspension function while driving.

Not Built for High Mileage
As vehicles with air suspension age and accumulate higher mileage, the chances of component failures increase significantly. Air suspension systems simply don’t hold up as well as conventional steel spring setups over the long haul.

Why You Shouldn’t Use Air Suspension Daily

While air suspension can provide a luxurious ride in certain situations, it may not be the best choice for a daily driver that racks up a lot of miles. The increased complexity and potential for costly repairs make air suspension systems less than ideal for high mileage commuting vehicles.

Repair Costs Are Prohibitive
One of the biggest drawbacks of air suspension for daily drivers is the potential for extremely expensive repair bills. Replacing failed components like air bags, compressors, and lines can easily cost thousands of dollars.

Increased Risk of Breakdowns
With more potential failure points compared to a conventional spring suspension, the risk of sudden breakdowns and suspension malfunctions is higher with air suspension systems, especially as miles accumulate.

Premature Aging and Failures
Unfortunately, air suspension components simply don’t seem to age as well as steel springs and dampers. Drying out, cracking, and leaking issues often crop up prematurely, leading to costly repair bills.

For those who need a reliable daily driver to rack up the miles without expensive surprises, a conventional coil spring or leaf spring suspension setup may be the more prudent choice over costly and complex air suspension systems.

FAQ:

Is air suspension bad for off-roading?
No, air suspension can actually be great for off-roading by increasing ground clearance when needed. But it is more prone to damage from rocks and obstacles.

Can you convert to normal shocks and springs?
Yes, many companies offer coilover conversion kits to replace the air suspension on vehicles. But it can be expensive.

Why don’t all vehicles use air suspension?
Air suspension is more complex and expensive, so it’s usually reserved for higher-end luxury and performance models.

How long does air suspension typically last?
With proper maintenance, air suspension systems can last 100,000 miles or more. But many components need replacement by around 80,000 miles.

Is it worth fixing air suspension problems?
For a vehicle still in good shape overall, air suspension repairs can make sense. But on a high mileage vehicle, converting to coil springs is often more cost-effective.

Conclusion

Air suspension offers benefits in terms of ride quality and the ability to adjust vehicle height. But the increased complexity means more potential points of failure and very expensive repair costs, especially in high mileage daily drivers. For smooth commuting without breaking the bank, a conventional steel spring suspension may be a wiser choice.