Air Suspension: All-Year-Round Capability

Air suspension, often referred to as 'air ride', has firmly established its presence within the automotive scene across the UK and Europe. This surge in popularity is largely attributed to the challenging road conditions prevalent in these regions, which often necessitate more adaptable suspension solutions, especially for lowered vehicles or high-performance sports cars. At Plush Automotive, we've dedicated a significant portion of our expertise to catering to this specific demand, aiming to deliver our services with the utmost efficiency and professionalism. This commitment extends to every air suspension system we supply, ensuring that our clients receive not only advanced technology but also unparalleled reliability.

Understanding Air Suspension Systems

Air suspension systems replace traditional coil springs with air springs, which are essentially flexible bellows that can be inflated or deflated with compressed air. This allows for an adjustable ride height and stiffness, offering a remarkable blend of comfort and performance. The core components of an air suspension system typically include:

• Air Springs: These are the primary components that support the vehicle's weight and provide the cushioning effect.
• Compressor: This unit generates the compressed air needed to inflate the air springs.
• Air Tank: Stores the compressed air, allowing for quick adjustments to the suspension.
• Air Lines: These carry the compressed air from the tank to the air springs.
• Valves: Control the flow of air into and out of the air springs, allowing for height and stiffness adjustments.
• Control Unit/ECU: The 'brain' of the system, which manages the compressor, valves, and sensors to maintain the desired ride height and settings. This can range from simple manual paddle valves to sophisticated electronic management systems with preset ride heights and remote controls.

Can I Use My Air Ride Suspension All Year Round?

The resounding answer is yes, you can absolutely use your air ride suspension all year round. In fact, air suspension systems are often superior to conventional suspension setups in varying weather conditions, particularly in the UK. Here's why:

Performance in Different Weather Conditions

The adaptability of air suspension makes it ideal for the unpredictable British weather:

• Wet and Cold Conditions: In damp or icy conditions, the ability to raise the vehicle's ride height can be a significant advantage. This provides increased ground clearance, reducing the risk of scraping the undercarriage on speed bumps, potholes, or snowdrifts. The adjustable stiffness can also be tuned to offer a more compliant ride over slick surfaces, potentially improving traction and stability.
• Dry and Summer Conditions: During warmer months, you can lower the vehicle for a more aggressive stance and improved handling characteristics. The ability to fine-tune the ride height and damping allows drivers to optimise their vehicle's performance for spirited driving on dry roads.
• Pothole Season: Autumn and winter often bring an increase in potholes due to freeze-thaw cycles. Air suspension's ability to absorb impacts more effectively and adjust ride height can significantly mitigate damage to the vehicle's suspension components and bodywork compared to traditional setups.

Durability and Reliability

Modern air suspension systems, especially those from reputable manufacturers and installed by experienced professionals like Plush Automotive, are built to withstand the rigours of daily driving throughout the year. Plush Automotive prides itself on its mechanical knowledge and experience in both electronics and fabrication, which allows them to excel in enhancing the benefits of air ride convenience and reliability on aftermarket builds. Their integration of digital management, including remote controls and preset ride heights, ensures ease of use and consistent performance, regardless of the season.

Benefits of Year-Round Air Suspension Use

Using your air ride suspension throughout the year offers several distinct advantages:

• Adjustable Ride Height: This is arguably the most significant benefit. You can raise the vehicle for clearance over obstacles or lower it for improved aerodynamics and handling.
• Enhanced Comfort: Air springs provide a smoother, more comfortable ride by absorbing road imperfections more effectively than traditional springs. This is beneficial on long journeys or rough roads common in various seasons.
• Improved Handling: By adjusting the air pressure, you can alter the spring rate and damping characteristics, allowing you to tailor the handling to your driving style and road conditions.
• Aesthetics: Air suspension allows for a dynamic visual transformation of your vehicle, enabling you to achieve that perfect 'slammed' look when parked or a more functional ride height when driving.

Installation and Maintenance Considerations

While air suspension is designed for year-round use, proper installation and maintenance are crucial for longevity and optimal performance. Plush Automotive offers a comprehensive fitting service that includes:

• Custom controller fitting for intuitive operation.
• OEM boot installations for a factory-fit appearance.
• Any necessary chassis modifications to ensure seamless integration.

All systems supplied by Plush Automotive come with a 12-month manufacturer's warranty and their own limited lifetime installation warranty, providing peace of mind. Regular checks of air lines for leaks, ensuring the compressor and tank are functioning correctly, and keeping the system clean are good practices for maintaining performance. The quality of components and the expertise of the installer play a vital role in the system's ability to handle all-season conditions.

Plush Automotive: Your UK Air Suspension Experts

As a leading UK distributor for top air suspension brands, including their own 'Air By Plush' (ABP) range, Plush Automotive offers a comprehensive selection of systems. Whether you prefer manual paddle valves or fully electronic management with pre-set ride heights, they can tailor a solution to your specific requirements. Their extensive stock includes complete systems and individual fittings, ensuring prompt fulfilment of demand. For those who wish to showcase their air ride installations, Plush also offers custom hardline setups, custom finishes for air tanks, and bespoke trim options to create a truly unique look.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Will extreme cold affect my air suspension?

A1: While extreme cold can affect the viscosity of lubricants and potentially make rubber components slightly less flexible, modern air suspension systems are designed to operate within a wide temperature range. Ensuring your system is properly installed with quality components will minimise any potential impact. Raising the vehicle height can also help avoid contact with snow or ice.

Q2: How often should I check my air suspension system?

A2: It's advisable to perform visual checks regularly, looking for any obvious leaks in the air lines or damage to the air springs. Listening for any unusual noises from the compressor is also a good indicator. A professional inspection annually or bi-annually is recommended to ensure all components are functioning optimally.

Q3: Can I adjust the ride height while driving?

A3: Yes, most modern air suspension systems allow for on-the-fly ride height adjustment. However, it's crucial to adjust the height when the vehicle is stationary or moving at very low speeds to avoid stressing the components or compromising stability.

Q4: What is the lifespan of an air suspension system?

A4: The lifespan can vary depending on the quality of components, installation, usage, and maintenance. However, well-maintained air suspension systems can last for many years, often exceeding the lifespan of the vehicle itself.

Q5: Is air suspension more prone to failure in winter than regular suspension?

A5: Generally, no. Air suspension's ability to adjust ride height can actually offer protection against winter road hazards. The primary failure points would be similar to any pneumatic system – leaks in lines or seals, or compressor issues – which are managed through quality manufacturing and proper maintenance.

Conclusion

In summary, air ride suspension is a versatile and robust automotive upgrade that is perfectly suited for year-round use in the UK. Its ability to adapt to varying road conditions, weather, and driver preferences makes it an excellent choice for enhancing both the comfort and performance of your vehicle. With expert installation from specialists like Plush Automotive, you can be confident in the reliability and longevity of your air suspension system, allowing you to enjoy its benefits regardless of the season.