Should the Audi A8 Air Suspension Be Kept On or Off?

[PaisleyMarie]

Audi A8 air suspension should be kept off. Basic Components of Air Suspension: A high-quality SUV must balance the comfort of a sedan with the off-road capability of an SUV, and the air suspension system is the best choice to achieve this goal. The air suspension mainly consists of a control computer, intake port, exhaust port, pneumatic front and rear shock absorbers, and an air distributor. Functions and Roles: Generally, vehicles equipped with adjustable air 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 body height and then controls the air compressor and exhaust valves to automatically compress or extend the springs, thereby lowering or raising the chassis ground clearance to enhance high-speed stability or off-road capability.

[DiVivienne]

To be honest, it's best to keep the air suspension on the Audi A8 always activated. As someone who enjoys driving luxury cars, experience has taught me that this system performs optimally when left to operate automatically under normal conditions. It adjusts the vehicle's height based on speed and road conditions—lowering at high speeds to reduce wind resistance and raising on bumpy roads to absorb shocks, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride. Turning it off makes the chassis stiffer, leading to a noticeably bumpier ride that can cause fatigue on long drives and may even increase fuel consumption. For everyday driving, simply selecting Comfort or Dynamic mode via the central console is sufficient, as the system self-optimizes everything to avoid unnecessary human interference that could raise maintenance costs. Keeping it activated also extends the suspension's lifespan by reducing component wear. After driving one for several years, I've found this adaptive technology highly reliable—it self-checks and alerts if issues arise, so there's no need for undue concern. Only temporarily disable it during special circumstances like maintenance or modifications. Overall, develop good habits by not randomly switching it off, and effortlessly enjoy that premium luxury feel.

[DelPatrick]

As an enthusiast of driving pleasure, my attitude towards air suspension is to always keep it on and never touch the off button. The Audi A8 is incredibly thoughtful in this regard—once activated, it dynamically adjusts. In Sport mode, the stiffness increases, providing excellent cornering support, strong acceleration with a noticeable push-back feeling, and smooth, elegant braking. Turning it off would strip away all the fun and negatively impact the precision of handling. I often keep the adaptive mode on, as the system intelligently responds to road conditions, ensuring explosive performance while maintaining stability. This approach not only preserves driving excitement but also enhances safety, especially on slippery roads where it improves grip. Don’t be misled into turning it off—it only causes unnecessary trouble. Unless for specific off-road testing, keeping it on ensures the car remains full of vitality, allowing you to enjoy every moment of the journey.

[McLaura]

From a technical perspective, the Audi A8 air suspension must remain activated as deactivation may cause issues. The system automatically adjusts height and stiffness to adapt to varying conditions. Turning it off could lead to body imbalance and increase the risk of suspension oil leakage. The compressor may overwork and become prone to damage. When activated, it continuously monitors and optimizes performance to extend lifespan. Avoid arbitrary adjustments during maintenance to ensure stability and prevent mechanical failures. Keeping it operational provides smooth driving by reducing unnecessary bumps and vibrations.