Can the A8 drive normally with an air suspension malfunction?
2 Answers
It is possible to drive a short distance with an air suspension malfunction, but it is not recommended to continue driving. At this time, the car's tires may experience uneven wear, and the wheel hubs may bear uneven forces, leading to unbalanced suspension. This can easily cause damage to other components and may also result in the failure of other air suspension systems that were not previously damaged. Therefore, unless in extreme circumstances, it is advised not to drive and to opt for towing instead. Below is some relevant information about air suspension: 1. Introduction: Air suspension generally refers to the air suspension system. Typically, vehicles equipped with air-adjustable suspension have ground clearance sensors near the front and rear wheels. Based on the output signals from these sensors, the vehicle's computer determines changes in the body height and then controls the air compressor and exhaust valves to automatically compress or extend the springs. This adjusts the chassis's ground clearance to enhance high-speed stability or improve off-road capability on rough terrain. 2. Variable Stiffness of Air Suspension: Variable stiffness refers to the characteristic of air springs, compared to leaf springs or coil springs, where the stiffness changes with the load, controlled by a height valve. A practical example is the noticeable high-frequency bouncing of a truck with leaf springs when empty, whereas with air springs, the ride feels similar whether the vehicle is empty or fully loaded.
As someone who has driven for many years, I strongly advise against driving when the air suspension fails. If there's an issue with the A8's suspension system, the vehicle height can become unstable. For example, if an airbag leaks and one side of the car sinks, it becomes particularly prone to tipping during turns, significantly compromising safety. While driving slowly on flat roads for short distances might be manageable, exceeding 20 km/h greatly increases the risk, as steering and braking become sluggish, and prolonged driving can damage the chassis. I've seen cases where owners insisted on driving, only to hit the curb, doubling the repair costs. The safest advice is to pull over immediately and call for a tow truck. Regular maintenance should include checking the air pressure to avoid regrets when a failure occurs.
