Air suspension is becoming standard equipment across different vehicle categories, and optional gear even in entry-level cars. The setup revolves around air bags inflated to the desired height and pressure, providing unmatched flexibility. The tuning and modding scene has embraced the tech to get vehicles as low to the ground as possible. At the same time, 4x4s and SUVs use air suspension to increase towing and loading capacities and offer higher off-roading capability. The technology differs from other suspension setups in the level of customization it offers, particularly if you’re looking for more ride comfort.
Air Suspension Basics

While not a new concept in itself (air suspension has existed in some form or other as long as the auto industry), it’s only in recent years that carmakers have realized the benefits a top-notch air ride kit offers. Reinforced rubber air bags or bellows inflated with pressurized air replace traditional coil or leaf springs. They can be adjusted for different pressures and heights to lift or lower the vehicle as needed.
Air arrives in the bellows via a system of reservoirs, compressors and air lines. And the electronics in management systems, usually paired with ride height and pressure sensors, calculate the air volume required in each air bag. This can be done manually via in-dash controls, or by automated systems that also collaborate with cameras and radars to scan the road ahead and adjust ride height to changing conditions.
The main goals are to keep vehicles level to the surface and maximize traction in each wheel. This improves handling at all speeds and on all road surfaces. Vehicles remain stable in turns, weight is distributed evenly between the bellows to prevent body roll, and there’s no diving in hard braking, or rear squat when flooring the gas.
Other Benefits of Air Ride Kits
Air suspension systems have been staples of luxury and performance car brands for two basic reasons – they combine comfort and unrivaled performance (even beating out traditional coilovers or lift kits) in one neat package. And unlike other suspension setups, they can be adjusted to match specific needs. The components take different names in different car brands (Adaptive Suspension in BMWs, Continuously Controlled Damping in Fords, and Active Body Control in Mercedes), but all systems strive to offer a new level of comfort.
There’s better damping and less recoil when going over potholed roads, cars remain poised on rougher surfaces to essentially glide over any obstacles and the chassis can be lifted to protect the underbody. There’s also an aerodynamic and performance benefit, with less drag and reduced fuel use when bellows are deflated to lower the car. This also tightens steering response to offer more control, while still avoiding common issues like bottoming out.
For trucks and SUVs, individual wheels can be lifted or lowered when off-road to get out of tight spots. The same goes for rear axles with aptly named air lift kits which allow higher loading capacities, heightened safety and easier towing without losing traction and steering feel at the front. The first air ride suspension kit components had their origins in heavy commercial trucks, but evolving technology, especially management systems and how these are integrated with the rest of the vehicle electronics, has shifted the goalposts in terms of control. There was also a shift in the adjustability and what’s possible with a packaged air ride kit.
Parts and How Air Ride Suspension Works
Parts can be mixed and matched in varied configurations to suit different vehicles. These include:
- Air springs, bags or bellows – these are made of durable, heavy-duty vulcanized rubber, often with reinforcing elements to withstand extreme air pressure of up to 400 PSI. Each air spring is rated for several times the maximum loading each wheel can endure. Double-convoluted types resembling two tires stacked one on top of the other are most common in passenger cars and often fitted at both the front and rear axles. For trucks, SUVs and heavier vehicles, slim-profile tapered or roller air springs (usually in a three-spring layout) help distribute loads on rear axles.
- Tanks and compressors – compressors draw atmospheric air, compress it and transfer pressurized air to tanks. Compressed air substantially cuts reaction times, inflating air springs within a fraction of a second. Both parts are sold separately and in larger units where higher air volumes are needed, or often as a single unit for passenger cars. Most are mounted in trunks.
- Plumbing gear – air lines, valves and solenoids are just few of the main parts that are involved in transferring air from the compressor to the air bags and controlling how much air gets in or out.
- Management systems and sensors – ride sensors help keep cars level, while pressure sensors monitor air pressure in each or all air bags. Most luxury cars rely on both, along with complex and automated electronics that open or close valves to either lift or lower the vehicle. All this is done without driver input. Manual systems can offer more versatility, specifically for vehicles intended for off-road use or when carrying heavy loads. Controls mounted in the dash allow for incremental adjustments to suit the terrain and road conditions, meaning more control over individual wheels (or axles) and less strain on other vehicle and suspension components.
A fully packaged air ride suspension kit includes bespoke shocks calibrated to the vehicle weight to control damping and spring rebound and heavy-duty rubber-isolated lower and upper mounts that attach the air springs to the rest of the car.
To ensure you get all of the benefits these suspension parts provide, go with established suspension brands that have done real-world testing on a range of vehicles, have calibrated systems tailored to your vehicle and include warranties on individual parts and the systems as a whole. Lastly, ensure a professional fit for the best results.