What Is Air Suspension and Should You Install It in Your Classic Car?
When people think of a vehicle's performance, usually the first thing that springs to mind is torque, horsepower, and zero-to-60 acceleration. And yet, all this power generated by the engine means nothing if the driver is unable to control the car.
That's why installing a suspension system in your car is crucial. A well-maintained car suspension system provides steering stability with good handling, maximizes friction between the tires and the surface of the road, and keeps the passengers comfortable.
The same applies regardless of whether you're driving a cutting-edge electric car or a 1969 Camaro: having a good air suspension system in your vehicle is a must. In the following article, we'll explain exactly why this is the case. Read on to learn more.
What is the purpose of air suspension?
The US invented the air suspension system during the second World War. It was originally used in heavy aircraft to save weight with a compact construction. This would eventually result in a vehicle with an axle height that's independent of the weight of the cargo the vehicle is carrying.
When used in cars, the purpose of air suspension is to improve ride quality by making the vehicle feel like it's "gliding" over bumps. Furthermore, it often enables drivers to adjust their ride-height if necessary (e.g., you could make your ride more cushy while driving on a rough road).
Other benefits of air suspension systems include:
Less noise and vibration
Reduced wear and tear on the suspension system
Higher corner speeds
Is air suspension good for daily driving?
And how! In addition to making your car safer and easier to drive, an air suspension system dramatically increases how comfortable the ride feels for the passengers. It's especially useful if you live near the Santa Ana Mountains, or some other part of Orange County that has uneven terrain, as you'll be able to adjust your car's height to fit the bumpy roads.
That being said, air suspension systems are mechanical devices, and no mechanical device is perfect. In order to ensure your air suspension lasts as long as it should, you'll need to take some precautions during the colder months of the year.
These precautions include:
Making sure you have a water trap for your tank.
Using an antifreeze that's designed for air suspension systems.
Making sure all your air lines are secure and not hanging down.
Is air suspension difficult to install?
Unless you've been trained in automotive repair and maintenance, and you have access to the appropriate equipment, you should never attempt to install an air suspension system on your own. Doing so is likely to result in an improper installation, and may also lead to damage to your air suspension.
This is especially true if you want to install an air suspension system in a classic car. Old vehicles tend to be more "sensitive" than their newer counterparts, and as a result there's a greater chance of something going wrong. As a rule of thumb, it's always better to leave classic car repair and modification to the pros.
Where in Orange County can I install a quality classic car air suspension?
Few hobbies are quite as exciting and rewarding as buying an old muscle car or hot rod and then not only restoring it back to its old glory, but also improving its overall performance and ride quality by adding superior new parts.
Here at Chimera Motors, we'd like to help you do just that. As the leading provider of classic car repair and restoration services in Orange County, we have everything a vintage car aficionado could possibly want in a car shop. Get in touch with us today.
