Air suspension is a very comfortable type of car suspension, but Nigerians are reluctant to buy cars equipped with it. Air suspension is the reason why the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is the easiest car to drive and so many other luxury cars.
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What is the car’s suspension system?
The suspension system is installed on the car to provide a comfortable ride as you drive through rough/unleveled roads; There are many of these systems available in Nigerian cars.
Without a suspension system in your car, driving on rough roads can be very bumpy for the driver or passengers. In short, the suspension soaks up every bump you’re supposed to feel. But why do we say “Don’t drive a car with air suspension in Nigeria”?. Range Rover Sport, Mercedes-Benz GL and S Class are just a number of luxury cats with this system, many drivers look out for this function when buying these cars.
The air suspension concept is straightforward. A normal everyday car uses springs in its suspension system, but air suspension uses compressed air instead of springs. This compressed air is conditioned by an engine-driven air compressor.
Why is air suspension perfect?
Air Suspension comfort is second to none. That’s why they only use luxury cars such as Rolls-Royce, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Range Rover, Bentley, etc. Regular cars such as the Toyota Sequoia and Prado also have variations of air suspension.
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class with air suspension is often referred to as a spacecraft because the air suspension makes it very comfortable to drive on bumpy roads and potholes. This does not mean that you do not protect your car from Nigerian holes, as repairs can be very expensive.
Some air suspension systems can be controlled with remote control
The second reason is the easy adjustment of the air suspension. A Range Rover, for example, has a knob for adjusting the ride height of the car. If you are driving on a very bumpy road, raise the car so you have enough ground clearance to handle the bumpy road. If you want to drive fast, lower the ride height for perfect handling to balance the ride and control your speed.
What is the main problem with air suspension in Nigeria?
As you know, in Nigeria, 75% of cars purchased are local or foreign used cars, also known as Tokunbo. Cars with air suspension have already suffered wear and tear, and there is a specific component attached only to the air suspension called a “balloon,” where the air for the suspension is stored.
This balloon is easy to deflate due to ageing. The rubber component of the balloon deteriorates, causing holes and tears, causing air leaks. Air suspension is very expensive to replace. 2012) and Range Rover Sport (2005–2013) have very low resale value in Nigeria, and buyers know they will replace the car balloons quickly.
Many Range Rover Sports look like they’ve been banged up in the garage. “Slammed” means that the car’s body has been lowered beyond normal levels. This is what happens when a balloon leaks.
It is important to note that balloons leak all the time and there is nothing you can do about this, especially in Nigeria where the sun is very strong and affects the rate of balloon degradation. For this reason, you should not ride air suspension every day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Air Suspension Improve Ride Quality?
Is Air Suspension Hard to Install?
Conclusion
An air spring is an expensive type of suspension and requires careful maintenance when used in Nigeria. Balloon leakage is inevitable when purchasing air suspension vehicles used in Nigeria at home and abroad. That’s why it is sometimes wise not to drive that many cars with air suspension in Nigeria. But we leave that option in your hands.
