A SMARTER RIDE

Arnott says air suspension delivers comfort and control for every drive

Once reserved for luxury vehicles, air suspension is now becoming more common in mid-range cars, trucks, SUVs, and electric vehicles.
Arnott says that air suspension delivers comfort, safety, and adaptability that drivers expect, stating that “this is typically where traditional coil systems fall short.”

Dynamic spring rate adjustment
At the core of the air suspension’s advantage is the concept of spring rate. Spring rate is the measure of how stiff a spring is, expressed as the force required to compress it.
The higher the spring rate, the better the handling and stability. The lower the spring rate, the softer and more comfortable the ride will be.
Traditional coil springs, fixed or progressive, are reliable; however, their spring rate is predetermined during manufacturing and cannot dynamically adjust to changing loads or road conditions.
Air suspension, in contrast, adjusts stiffness on the fly by altering air pressure inside the air springs or struts.
This adaptability can operate automatically or through driver-selected modes, such as ‘Sport’ or ‘Comfort,’ providing drivers with the best of both worlds, regardless of road or load conditions.

Maintaining proper ride height
Ride height control offers another critical benefit. Heavy cargo or extra passengers can lower a vehicle enough to risk bottoming out, misaligned wheels, and uneven tire wear.
Coil suspension can only partially compensate for added weight. Air suspension, on the other hand, uses sensors, compressors, and an ECU to maintain optimal height in real time.
Whether fully loaded for a family trip or lightly occupied on a daily commute, Arnott says the system responds quickly for improved stability, safety, and performance.

Improving efficiency and handling
Further, Arnott says air suspension also delivers efficiency gains.
At highway speeds, it automatically lowers the vehicle to reduce drag, boosting fuel economy and extending the range of electric vehicles. Arnott says coil suspension can’t achieve this dynamically without costly aftermarket modifications.
Beyond efficiency, air suspension enhances comfort by absorbing bumps and minimising vibrations while maintaining balance during sharp turns or sudden maneuvers.
On heavy-duty vehicles, Arnott says air suspension distributes weight evenly across axles, protecting tires, cargo, and overall ride quality.

Engineering the future
Arnott says it is supports this technology with precision-engineered components rigorously tested for reliability and performance.
As adoption spreads across vehicle segments, Arnott says air suspension proves it is no longer just a luxury – instead it is “the smarter, safer, and more efficient future of ride control.”

For more information, visit www.arnottinc.com