What is Air ride?
An adjustable suspension system using air bags instead of metal springs. Allows variable ride height with the push of a button.
Air ride (also called air suspension, air bags, or pneumatic suspension) is a vehicle suspension system that uses inflatable air bags instead of conventional metal springs. The air bags are inflated and deflated by an air compressor and electronic controls, allowing the driver to adjust ride height in real time. Air ride enables a vehicle to be raised for parking and lowered for cruising or display.
The technology has been used in heavy trucks since the 1950s and was adopted in luxury cars (Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Range Rover) and high-end SUVs throughout the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Aftermarket air ride became popular in custom car culture in the 1990s and 2000s, particularly in lowrider, hot rod, and stance communities. The Air Lift Performance brand (US-based) and Acuair (also US) are major aftermarket air ride manufacturers.
Modern aftermarket air ride systems include independent corner control (each corner can be adjusted separately), preset memory positions (saved height settings), and smartphone control through dedicated apps. Performance air ride systems offer adjustable damping in addition to height. The combination of stance-friendly low ride height with the practicality of being able to drive over speed bumps has made air ride increasingly common in serious modification builds.
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