Although it’s often unnoticed by drivers, its role is crucial—it’s the suspension that absorbs road irregularities, maintains vehicle control, and ensures smooth handling. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the different types of suspension systems and discuss how each one impacts ride comfort.
What is car suspension?
The suspension is a system of mechanical components that connects the car’s body to its wheels.
Its main functions are to transfer the forces generated while driving, absorb vibrations, and maintain constant contact between the tires and the road surface. A well-designed suspension system ensures vehicle stability, improves handling, and enhances safety.
The suspension system consists of several key components:
- Springs – responsible for absorbing road irregularities,
- Shock absorbers – control the movement of the springs, preventing excessive vibrations,
- Stabilizer bars – reduce body roll during cornering,
- Various joints and control arms – connect the wheels to the chassis and allow for their movement.
Types of Car Suspension
On the market, we encounter various suspension designs that differ in structure, performance characteristics, and intended use. The most popular types of suspension include:
1. Leaf Spring (Rigid Axle) Suspension
This is the simplest and oldest type of suspension, mainly used in trucks and off-road vehicles. In this system, the wheels are connected by a solid axle—movement of one wheel affects the other.
Advantages:
- Simple design,
- Durable and long-lasting,
- Easy and inexpensive to repair.
Disadvantages:
- Less comfortable on uneven roads, as vibrations are transferred to the entire body,
- Poorer grip in corners.
Effect on comfort: Rigid axle suspension performs well on flat surfaces but transmits vibrations over bumps, leading to reduced ride comfort. It is now rarely used in passenger cars.
2. Independent Suspension
In independent suspension, each wheel moves separately from the others, which allows for better absorption of road irregularities and helps maintain tire contact with the surface.
a) MacPherson Strut Suspension
Currently one of the most commonly used front suspension types. It consists of a shock absorber combined with a coil spring and a steering knuckle. Its main advantage is simplicity and compact design, which saves space under the hood.
Advantages:
- Compact construction,
- Low production and maintenance costs,
- Good steering precision.
Disadvantages:
- Less comfortable than more advanced multi-link suspensions,
- Limited options for wheel alignment adjustments.
Effect on comfort: The MacPherson strut handles uneven surfaces reasonably well, offers decent ride comfort, and provides good vehicle control, making it popular in city and compact cars.
b) Multi-Link Suspension
Used mainly in mid-range and high-end vehicles, as well as in sports and luxury cars. It features several control arms, allowing for precise wheel movement control.
Advantages:
- Excellent stability and steering precision,
- ,Better shock absorption on rough roads,
- Allows for advanced wheel alignment tuning.
Disadvantages:
- Higher manufacturing and repair costs,
- More complex design.
Effect on comfort: Multi-link suspension offers the highest level of ride comfort, especially on uneven surfaces. It improves road holding and more effectively absorbs vibrations, providing a smoother driving experience.
3. Air Suspension (Pneumatic Suspension)
Increasingly popular in premium-class vehicles and SUVs. Instead of traditional coil springs, it uses air bags (air springs), which allow for adjustable stiffness and ride height.
Advantages:
- Adjustable suspension stiffness and ground clearance,
- Exceptional ride comfort,
- Ability to adapt the suspension to different road conditions.
Disadvantages:
- High purchase and repair costs,
- More prone to malfunctions compared to traditional suspension systems.
Effect on comfort: Air suspension provides outstanding comfort, especially on long journeys and uneven roads. The ability to change the ride characteristics significantly enhances both comfort and safety.
4. Adaptive and Active Suspension
These are the most advanced systems used in modern vehicles. With the help of sensors and electronic control units, they can automatically adjust the stiffness of the shock absorbers based on road conditions and the driver’s driving style.
Advantages:
- Dynamic adjustment of suspension settings,
- Optimal balance between comfort and sporty handling,
- Improved safety and vehicle stability.
Disadvantages:
- Very high cost,
- Complex design and potentially expensive repairs.
Effect on comfort: Adaptive and active suspension systems offer the highest level of ride comfort and handling precision, instantly adapting to changing conditions for a smoother and safer driving experience.
How Does Suspension Affect Ride Comfort?
Ride comfort is a subjective experience, but it primarily depends on how effectively the suspension absorbs road imperfections and isolates passengers from vibrations. A well-designed and properly maintained suspension system:
- Reduces shocks from bumps and uneven surfaces,
- Prevents excessive body roll and sway,
- Maintains constant tire contact with the road, which enhances safety.
Suspension that is too stiff can result in a “harsh” ride and cause the driver to tire quickly. On the other hand, suspension that is too soft may lead to poor handling and excessive body movement.
Summary
Choosing the right suspension is a balance between comfort, safety, handling precision, and cost. In city cars, the most commonly used system is the MacPherson strut suspension, which offers good driving characteristics and everyday comfort. In mid-range and higher-end vehicles, multi-link or air suspension systems are increasingly popular, providing greater comfort and improved handling.
If maximum comfort is your priority, it’s worth considering cars equipped with air or adaptive suspension. However, for off-road driving and tougher conditions, traditional rigid suspension remains a reliable choice.
Remember, regardless of the suspension type, its technical condition has a significant impact on both comfort and safety. Regular inspections and timely replacement of worn components are essential.
