Why is air suspension illegal?
Air suspension systems, which use air springs instead of traditional metal coil springs, are illegal in many jurisdictions due to safety and regulatory concerns. While these systems offer a smoother ride and improved handling, they also pose potential risks that have led to their prohibition in certain areas.
What is Air Suspension?
Air suspension is a type of vehicle suspension system that uses air springs, also known as air bags, instead of the traditional metal coil springs. These air springs are filled with compressed air, which can be adjusted to change the vehicle's ride height and handling characteristics. Air suspension systems are commonly found in luxury vehicles, commercial trucks, and some high-performance sports cars.
Why is Air Suspension Illegal?
There are several reasons why air suspension systems are illegal in some regions:
- Safety Concerns: Air suspension systems can be prone to sudden failures, which can lead to a loss of control and increased risk of accidents. This is particularly concerning for larger vehicles, such as trucks and buses, where a sudden change in ride height could have catastrophic consequences.
- Regulatory Issues: Many jurisdictions have regulations in place that limit the maximum allowable vehicle height or the amount of modification that can be made to a vehicle's suspension. Air suspension systems, which allow for adjustable ride height, may violate these regulations and be considered illegal.
- Potential for Abuse: Some drivers may use air suspension systems to illegally modify their vehicles, such as lowering them to the ground for a "slammed" look or raising them to an excessive height. This can create safety hazards and may be prohibited by local laws.
As a result, air suspension systems are banned or heavily restricted in many regions, including some states in the United States, certain provinces in Canada, and various countries around the world. Drivers who use air suspension in these areas may face fines, vehicle impoundment, or other penalties.
Alternatives to Air Suspension
For drivers who want a smoother ride or improved handling, there are alternative suspension systems that are legal and widely accepted, such as coil springs, leaf springs, or hydraulic suspension. These systems may not offer the same level of adjustability as air suspension, but they are generally considered safer and more reliable.
What is the life expectancy of air suspension?
80,000 to 100,000 miles
Air springs normally last 80,000 to 100,000 miles. Over this time, the rubber bladder dries out, and cracks appear around the bottom piston. Compressors usually wear out because of leaky air springs. However, the computer and height sensors generally last the life of the vehicle.
Why don t more cars have air suspension?
Air suspensions cannot withstand sustained hard riding on bad roads(the bellows fail after some time). They are primarily built for a pliant ride on good roads, not the lunar surfaces that we have as roads. On cars, they would drive up the costs too much and be cause of so much service woes for the manufacturer.
Is air suspension legal?
Is Air Suspension Illegal? Air Suspension isn't DOT approved, so technically speaking it is illegal.
What are the disadvantages of air suspension system?
Some of the drawbacks of air suspension systems are because of some of the mechanical issues they can be vulnerable to. Several of the common issues with air suspension systems that can require repair include: Rust or moisture damage from the inside that can lead to the air struts or bags to malfunction.
Is it OK to drive with air suspension on?
The simple answer is YES! Like most things, you won't have any problems if you take your time on a good install. Your air suspension is going to be as reliable as you make it.
Can you go fast on air suspension?
Most definitely yes! Not only can you go fast – you can actually race and drift with air suspension. And this is not just a say-so. Air suspension has been used in race cars since the 1950s.
What suspension is best for drifting?
Unlike standard coilovers, which are often designed for street or track use, drift coilovers are built specifically for the unique forces experienced during drifting. They're engineered to handle the aggressive steering angles, extended slides, and rough landings that come with this motorsport.
How long do air suspensions last?
80,000-100,000 Miles
Air Struts/Air Bags - 80,000-100,000 Miles
Air springs normally last 80,000 to 100,000 miles. Over this time, the rubber bladder dries out, and cracks appear around the bottom piston. Compressors usually wear out because of leaky air springs.
Why is air suspension bad?
Durability Concerns: Air suspension systems can be susceptible to leaks and damage from road debris, which may be a concern for consumers in regions with poor road conditions. Overall, while air suspension has its benefits, the trade-offs in cost, complexity, and durability make it less suitable for all passenger cars.
Is air suspension bad for drifting?
Is Air Suspension Ideal For Drifting? Remember how we said the simple answer was yes, you can drift with air suspension? The more complicated answer is yes, but it is not the ideal suspension. While you can certainly have fun drifting in an air suspension-equipped vehicle, it is not ideal for drifting.
