Different Types of Suspensions and How They Work

Car suspensions are basically known as the shock absorber of the car. The car’s suspension system absorbs any sudden shock, maintains constant contact between the tyres and the road, and ensures an overall better controlling and comfortable ride.

There are many types of Car Suspension Systems, which may provide the best comfort or double down on performance. To make an informed decision on which suspension system suits your car the best, you need to understand how the suspension system works and what are the different types of suspension systems available for your car.

What is a Suspension System?

A suspension system is a vital component of a car that provides stability, absorbs sudden shock, connects the tyre to the chassis and enhances overall smoothness of the ride. It not only provides comfort and stability, but also ensures safety and security of the vehicle. In short, functions of the car’s suspension system are as follows:

• Provide Stability and Control: It helps the vehicle to retain control while turning, accelerating or braking thus providing an overall stability to the ride.

• Absorbs Shock: It reduces the impact caused by bad road conditions and irregularities, making the ride more comfortable.

• Tyres Contact: Keeps the vehicle’s tyres in contact with the road to maintain proper traction throughout the ride.

Generally the function of the suspension system remains constant, but as there are many different types of suspension systems available for a car, these functions may slightly vary depending on the type of car suspension system a car has.

What Are The Types Of Car Suspension Systems

There are different types of suspension systems available for a car, that are tailored to vehicle types, levels of comfort, driving needs and road conditions. These car suspensions can be either balanced, luxurious, or performance based. Their functionality differs slightly from one another but the main goal remains the same; provide stability and comfort. Suspension systems are categorised into mainly two categories; Independent and Dependent suspensions

Independent Suspension Systems

As the name suggests, in independent suspension systems, each wheel moves independently, providing better control, handling and comfort. Here are a few major types of independent suspension systems.

1.MacPherson Strut Suspension

• How it functions: It focuses on simplifying the design by using a single strut that combines a coil spring and shock absorber.

• Performance and Comfort: It provides a good balance between ride quality and cost-effectiveness. It is the most common type of car suspension found in an automobile these days.

• Best for: Suited for city-driving and and highway driving due to its efficient lightweight design.

2.Double Wishbone Suspension (A-Arm Suspension)

• How it functions: It makes use of two control arms (upper and lower) to provide better stability and wheel alignment.

• Performance and Comfort: It has a superior handling ability, and is most commonly seen in sports and luxurious cars.

• Best for: Suited for performance hungry and high-speed stability vehicles.

3.Multi Link Suspension

• How it functions: It uses multiple arms (links) to focus on wheel control, allowing for better precision.

• Performance and Comfort: Provides best handling and comfort, but comes at an expensive cost, due to complex design

• Best for: High-end Sedans, sports and luxury cars.

4.Air Suspension

• How it functions: In this suspension, the coil springs are replaced with air filed bags that are controlled electrically.

• Performance and Comfort: It has adjustable ride heights; thus provides better comfort and better adaptability to different road conditions.

• Best for: Luxury vehicles and off-roading vehicles mainly SUVs that require dynamic suspension adjustment.

5.Trailing Arm Suspension

• How it functions: Here the wheels are attached to trailing arms that can pivot at the chassis.

• Performance and Comfort: It does provide comfort and smoothness, but is not up to the mark in handling compared to the modern alternatives.

• Best for: Mainly used in older cars, has somewhat off-road capability.

Dependent Suspension Systems

Unlike the independent counterpart, dependent suspension systems have both their wheels connected to the axle. It means if one of the wheels moves, the other connected wheel also moves in that direction. This system is known to be durable and used for carrying heavy loads. The different type of dependent suspension systems are

1.Leaf Spring Suspensions

• How it functions: It uses stacked layers of metal strips or known as Leaf Springs in order to absorb shock.

• Performance and Comfort: It is strong and durable, but not really comfortable to the coil spring counterpart.

• Best for: Heavy-duty vehicles like trucks, SUVs that require heavy load capacity.

2.Rigid Axle (Live Axis) Suspensions

• How it functions: A rigid axle connects both the wheels to ensure they move together. Harmoniously.

• Performance and Comfort: It enhances performance and durability, but at the cost of comfort and handling.

• Best for: Off-road vehicles and Heavy duty trucks, basically vehicles that require durability.

To better understand and help you decide which type of suspension system will fit to your needs, have a look at this

How Does The Suspension System Work?

The suspension system uses the concept of kinetic energy. This energy is stored in the springs, Kinetic energy is generated when the car moves at high speed on a bumpy road. This energy is then transferred to dampers or shock absorbers, where energy is converted into heat energy. These dampers contain fluid that help in neutralizing the heat energy to prevent overheating.

This whole process of generation of kinetic energy to dissipate that energy, absorbing the shock, provides the passengers in the car a smooth ride.

What are the parts of Car Suspension System

A car’s suspension system comprises various parts that work together to create a smooth, stable and comfortable ride. Each of these parts have their own significance and role in proper functioning of the car suspension system. These parts include

1.Springs

• The primary function of this component is to store kinetic energy generated by friction and maintain ride heights.

• Coil springs are the most common type of springs found in a suspension system. Other few types include Leaf-Springs, Air-Springs, and Torsions bars.

2.Shock Absorbers (Dampers)

• The primary function of dampers is to convert the kinetic energy stored by springs into heat energy. They control and reduce the bouncing after hitting a bump.

• Different types of dampers include Hydraulics Shock absorbers and Gas filled shock absorbers.

• The upper portion of dampers helps reduce impact to the car and the lower portion of the dampers helps reduce impact to the wheels.

3.Anti Roll Bars

• The primary function of anti roll bars is to reduce the body roll while turning. Helps in better controlling of the vehicle

• When a car is cornering, it distributes the force across the suspension, reducing total recoil.

4.Control Arms

• It connects the wheels to the car’s frame. They enable controlled movement of the car.

• Different types of arms include upper and lower arms, and trailing arms.

• They are also known as A-Arms

5.Struts

• It is a structure that combines spring and dampers into one unit.

• It is mainly used as a space saving device.

Summary

Car suspension systems are an essential component of a vehicle, It ensures smooth, controlled and safe driving. They come in different types that include independent and dependent suspensions. Each suspension type is tailored to its use, driving needs, road conditions, and comfort. Every part of the suspension system, springs, dampers, stabilizers, struts, work together to absorb shock, convert energy and ensure a safe and smooth journey.

Choosing the right suspension type depends on the road conditions, vehicle type, and performance required. A well maintained suspension system is essential for durability and longevity of a car. However, repairs and maintenance of suspension systems can be quite costly. If your suspension system is damaged in an accident, pot holes, or road hazards, comprehensive or collision car insurance can help cover the costs and relieve you from the financial burden.

Frequently Asked Questions