Is there any downside to Air Suspension?
- Thread starter coupedncal
- Start date
Chatterbox
Member
My 2014 S has air suspension and it's working well. Once, however, I loaded up the car with lots of heavy things and left the car full overnight. The next day the car complained about the weight and refused to move. I unloaded it and the car eventually returned to normal...forgiving me so-to-say. I would agree that complexity is the enemy of reliability. The pop-out door handles on the S often fail, and I'd swap for Model 3 mechanical handles any day. I am not totally sure that 6cm of ride height adjustability in the air shocks is truly worth the added cost or risk of failure.
I have an air suspension on my 2013. I've also test driven versions of the same year with coil suspension. I can't say that I noticed a difference. For that particular air suspension I would say that unless you need the ride height to change dynamically then it's just another thing to break.
PaulIOM
Member
Another potential drawback beyond the complexity is the additional weight and power draw of the compressor system
beatle
Member
How much heavy stuff? There are others who would disagree that the air suspension is not worth the premium, though each person can be right in their own valuation.
Power use by the compressor would be negligible during the course of a drive, just like the stereo. While it may draw 1kw (I am making that figure up) the duty cycle is so low, operating for only a few seconds during a drive, that the power usage in relation to what it takes to propel the car down the road is negligible. Note that Tesla does not rate coil/air suspension vehicles differently as they relate to range. Weight would also be of little consequence in a car weighing close to 5,000 pounds.
1speed
Member
The air suspension is very helpful for steep driveways to prevent bottoming out. It remembers suspension setting by location so when I go back. So for example, it raises the suspension to very high to get over my mom's driveway hump. If you live in a hilly or mountainous area, it might be a plus for you. Have never had any issue so far with it.
I am not sure if Tesla cars also have automatic adjustable camber. But my biggest concern with air suspension is that even tire wear will only be at a specific height. Once you lower or raise the car, the camber is affected. So if you prefer to drive at a height that different from factory spec, you will get uneven tire wear over time. For example, the inside of your tires will wear out much faster than the outside of your tires if you lower your car at the lowest setting.
Good reports. I've driven in a custom van with air suspension - all I remember is that it could level itself out, but I've also driven a 1972 Citroen. The Citroen was amazing, best ride ever. I've also driven a Mercedes Benz about the same age, it also had a 'soft ride but it was all mush. The Citroen seemed much better, better handling (but I don't remember the details).
I have a Model Y, feel every bump and wonder why?
The suspension system in the Citroen was unreliable needing repairs constantly. I look forward to whatever Tesla does with the Cybertruck.
I have a Model Y, feel every bump and wonder why?
The suspension system in the Citroen was unreliable needing repairs constantly. I look forward to whatever Tesla does with the Cybertruck.
ThosEM
Space Weatherman
PrGrPa
Member
Model S air suspension has been fine. Less gnar than model 3 coils. Generally softer than coils I’ve driven before. Not as floaty as some Mercedes vehicles I’ve driven with air suspension (cars and trucks).
maintenance? It’s expensive whether it is coils or air so when it happens you just accept it.
I can see from driving both a Model S and a Model 3 how folks can prefer either. I’m happy with both.
maintenance? It’s expensive whether it is coils or air so when it happens you just accept it.
I can see from driving both a Model S and a Model 3 how folks can prefer either. I’m happy with both.
Waverider
Member
- Oct 17, 2011
- 108
- 74
Yeah feels like you’re driving a lowered civic. Pro tip: Keep rodents away from your air lines. They’re tasty!The main downside is the DOWN side when it deflates and fails
roblab
Active Member
That doesn't make a whole lot of sense. That means you would forego power steering, power brakes, variable windshield wipers, remote door locks... the list goes on. Some things are just worth the extra complexity and cost, though hardly anybody that owns a Tesla with air ever thinks about it or has problems with it. Wifey has coils on her Model 3, and there's a definite difference between hers and my Model S.
And then, we can talk about people who buy gas cars with hundreds of moving parts that scrape and move and slide, and no one ever gives them a thought, either. Yeah, go simple! They're always breaking and needing repair. On my S, about the only moving parts I replace are my windshield wipers. Four cars, two with 100K miles, now two new ones with 20K each.
roblab
Active Member
I must not drive like you do. I enjoy leaving the Corvettes and BMWs at the light, but I've never felt any shudder.
Cheburashka
Active Member
That's cool. You got lucky or it hasn't started yet. You're also a sample size of 1.
The shudder is a well known problem even on the Ravens.
Hayseed_MS
Member
Not fully understanding why this would be a downside of air suspension. New to Teslas but what is the correlation? Does having air suspension cause this vibration?
Cheburashka
Active Member
Only cars with the air suspension have that issue. Due to the ride height, that part has more stress on it. I think Tesla has tried addressing the problem in many ways, including part revisions and OTA adjustments to the height.. not sure if they actually managed to fix it.
I assume Tesla does not make the air suspension so they will likely use the same suppliers as other carmakers. Obviously the Tesla configuration could be unique.
