Car Suspension System: Definition, Components, Functions, and How It Works

Driving comfortably and safely are two important aspects that must be realized in a vehicle. One of the supporting components to achieve these two aspects is the suspension. 

The car suspension system has the task of dampening vibrations and shocks when you pass over bumpy roads. Curious about what components it has and how it works? Check out the review.

What is Suspension?

As previously explained, suspension is an important element for providing driving comfort. It consists of various components that integrate with each other to dampen vibrations and shocks while driving. 

When driving on pothole or bumpy roads, the suspension absorbs the vibrations caused by the car's body. In fact, suspension is not only found in four-wheeled vehicles, but motorcycles are also equipped with suspension. 

However, for car suspension, there are several types of springs that have their own functions. This certainly answers anyone who asks about what suspension is.

Function of Suspension

This important element called suspension is usually located between the car body and its four wheels. The system has been designed to absorb vibrations and shocks from the road surface. 

Thus, the car will become more stable when driven, and the driver will feel comfortable.

Can you imagine if a four-wheeled vehicle is not equipped with suspension? Of course, you would feel like riding on a cart, and that would not be pleasant. 

This car element consists of various components such as springs, shock absorbers, stabilizers, and many others. Each of these components has its own function.

As mentioned earlier, the function of the suspension itself is to dampen vibrations and impacts from uneven road surfaces. 

This is intended to protect passengers and cargo loaded inside to remain safe and controlled. But who would have thought that the function of suspension is not just to dampen vibrations.

Suspension also has the function of supporting the body on the axle and keeping the wheel position stable and in its original place. If the position of the wheels experiences a shift. 

Then, this must be addressed immediately by performing wheel alignment at a service center. Interestingly, suspension also has the function of transferring braking and acceleration forces of the car.

Read also: 4 Types of Car Suspension That Are Most Commonly Used

Components of Suspension

As one of the important elements in a vehicle, the suspension supports a heavy task. In carrying out its duties and functions, the suspension is assisted by several of its components. 

The first component is the spring, where each suspension consists of several types of springs, namely coil springs, leaf springs, torsion bars, and air springs.

Springs actually serve to absorb various vibrations and impacts on the road that will be transmitted directly to the car body. 

In addition, springs also function to enhance the tire's grip on the road surface. Meanwhile, coil springs are made from special steel rods that have a spiral shape.

The suspension component called coil spring has excellent absorption capacity, is easier to disassemble and install, and is lighter. 

Then there are leaf springs made from bent and flexible steel strips. Next is the torsion bar spring made from elastic steel rods in twisting form. 

The next spring component is the air spring, which is in the form of an air balloon. Usually, air springs are installed on cars that demand high comfort. 

If a car is only equipped with springs, it will tend to oscillate up and down, making passengers uncomfortable. To dampen this oscillation, the system is equipped with a shock absorber.

The next component in the suspension is the ball joint, which functions to receive loads from above, right, and left. Additionally, the ball joint also serves as the pivot point for the wheels when turning. 

Then the suspension would not be complete without a stabilizer bar, which functions to reduce the tilt of the vehicle when turning.

How Suspension Works

Basically, the way suspension works is to provide a barrier between the car body and the wheels, where this barrier has high elasticity. Thus, it can dampen sudden movements made by the wheels. 

The various components it has function as absorbers of vibrations and shocks caused on uneven roads.

Considering the importance of the suspension element in your vehicle, it is advisable to maintain it regularly. This is to ensure that the suspension can work well when you are driving on bumpy roads. 

Not only that, but also pay attention to whether some of its components are still functioning well or not. If not, take action immediately by bringing it to a workshop.

Read also: 5 Most Important Components in a Car That You Must Know