Do You Use Your Active Air?

[bareyb]

I'm thinking of adding it and was wondering if you who have it, feel it was a worthwhile investment. Has anyone compared ride quality with and without?

- - - Updated - - -

How does one edit a post here? I did not mean to post this here.

 

[Mayhemm]

Like pretty much anything on the forum, you won't find any sort of consensus. :tongue:

Some people steer clear of the active air because they fear a high repair bill.
Others will swear it rides noticeably better than the standard setup.
Still others say there is no difference and it is a waste of money.
FWIW, I will be getting active air on my Model S.

Regarding post editing; when you have a certain amount of posts on your profile (~10, I believe), an EDIT button will appear next to REPLY at the bottom of any of your posts.

 

[bareyb]

Ah. Thanks. I keep going back and forth about getting it or not. I just went in and added it to my order so that's the latest decision. :biggrin:

 

[mknox]

I have used it going into a particularly bad (sharp dip on the ramp) underground parking lot, and to drive in an unassumed country road to a friend's cottage, but that's about it. Day to day it operates "automatically" by lowering on the freeway.

 

[ToddRLockwood]

It's really nice to have when you need it—to keep from scraping the nose of the car. If you can afford it, I'd go for it.

 

[Chris]

I use it to raise the car up when I am going through an automatic gate at work. Without going to 'high' I hit the bump. Don't know how the 'standard' setting with air compares to the regular suspension though

 

[texex91]

It's really nice to have when you need it—to keep from scraping the nose of the car. If you can afford it, I'd go for it.

x2.

I was on fence, but when I ordered +, you have to get it. I'm glad I did, as I think I will enjoy the ride more and have peace of mind for high angle approaches, without hearing a nasty scraping of my underside first.

 

[mknox]

I will enjoy the ride more and have peace of mind for high angle approaches, without hearing a nasty scraping of my underside first.

You gotta remember to use it, though. I didn't the first time I entered that garage I mentioned above, and did end up hitting the ground. Fortunately, the scrape is way under the lip and you'd only see it if it is up on a hoist (or you're lying on the ground in front of the car).

 

[Twiddler]

Guess it depends on where you live as well and how likely you are to fearlessly ascend the dreaded steep driveway. Here in central Texas, I use it as part of my car tour, but otherwise rather useless for me. I have noticed no difference when comparing to standard suspension. In fact the standard susp car had much less road noise, but that was likely 2/2 19" wheels and higher VIN.

 

[scaesare]

In the 3.5 months I've had the car, I didn't use it at all the 1st three months. Then I've had occasion to use it 2 or 3 times in the last couple of weeks for roads or parking situations that required them. Glad I had it when I needed it.

 

[texex91]

Guess it depends on where you live as well and how likely you are to fearlessly ascend the dreaded steep driveway. Here in central Texas, I use it as part of my car tour, but otherwise rather useless for me. I have noticed no difference when comparing to standard suspension. In fact the standard susp car had much less road noise, but that was likely 2/2 19" wheels and higher VIN.

For me in the Austin area mandatory. Lots of hills with drives going up or down, steep driveways, downtown parking garages or lots, speed bumps, etc. I'm glad it's coming equipped. And from test ride, certainly a smoother ride vs one without.

 

[bareyb]

Well. I decided to go for it. If it improves overall ride quality too, that makes it worth it to me. Thanks.

 

[texex91]

Well. I decided to go for it. If it improves overall ride quality too, that makes it worth it to me. Thanks.

Good move--you won't regret it. Which model are you ordering? Congrats! :smile:

 

[johnnyS]

I have had passengers comment on the smooth ride. It is very nice combination with the smooth power train. I am using the active air more all the time. I use it at steep driveways that may cause the car to scrape and when parking at high curbs. If I parallel park adjacent to a tall curb it is helps the passenger get out and opening the door. If one of our elderly relatives is getting in or out of the car it is very helpful. Since there are no handles and the window has no frame, there is nothing for a passenger with limited mobility to grab. It has taken me a while to remember (retrain myself) to use it, but now that I do, it is definitely something I would order.

 

[evmile]

I actually had to use it at Harrah's casino at Lake Tahoe.

There is a large speed bump on the way to the J1772 charging stations.
Only by raising the car to "high" could I avoid scrapping the bottom of the car.

 

[toto_48313]

I just use it everyday when driving faster than 54 mph when it goes to low to improve the aerodynamics of the car...

Otherwise I have use the command manually only a couple of times on bad roads.

 

[GDH]

I'd like to know why it went from $1500 to its current price?, not seeing any change with the huge price difference

 

[Mayhemm]

Blame the shareholders. Tesla discovered they were selling for less than their competitors and raised the price to be more in line with the market (and increase the gross margins on each item)

 

[Electric Dreamer]

I use the Active Air several times per week. MIL has a steep driveway, so have to lift to High then. Also when she gets out of the car, to be able to raise the car makes it easier to get in and out. I live near a couple of shopping centers that put speed bumps the size of mountains in the parking lot, so I have to raise for those....I never want to scrape the bottom of the S. I love that the car lowers itself on the highway for aerodynamics! :biggrin:

 

[lloyds]

Comes down to driving habit and skill imo. Look at your other cars and see if you've scraped the front end on driverways. If so, get it.