What are the differences between non-independent suspension and independent suspension?
2 Answers
Here are the differences between independent suspension and non-independent suspension: 1. Movement difference: The wheels on the same axle of an independent suspension do not interfere with each other during movement, whereas the wheels on the same axle of a non-independent suspension will interfere with each other when moving. 2. Applicable vehicle types differ: Independent suspension can also improve the ride comfort and driving quality of a vehicle, which is why luxury cars often use high-end independent suspensions; non-independent suspension is typically found in compact or small cars. The suspension refers to all the force-transmitting connection devices between the car's frame and axle. Its function is to transmit forces and torques between the wheels and the frame, as well as to cushion the impacts from uneven road surfaces transmitted to the frame or body, reducing the resulting vibrations to ensure smooth driving.
I've driven all kinds of cars. Non-independent suspension is like those old trucks where the wheels on both sides are connected - hit one pothole and the whole vehicle shakes. Independent suspension is common in modern cars, with each wheel moving independently; if one side shakes, the other remains unaffected. The difference lies in comfort and handling: independent suspension isolates road imperfections better, making city commutes smoother with less shaking; non-independent suspension has simpler structure and stronger load-bearing capacity when hauling goods. But independent suspension costs more to maintain with more components prone to issues, while non-independent suspension is cheaper to repair. It also affects tire lifespan - independent suspension wears tires evenly and adapts to various road conditions, whereas non-independent suspension causes uneven tire wear. For safety, independent suspension provides better grip at high speeds and more stability in turns, while non-independent suspension tends to roll sharply in sudden turns. So when choosing a car, consider daily use: if mostly urban driving, independent suspension improves driving quality; for frequent dirt roads, non-independent suspension proves more durable. Additionally, independent suspension sometimes offers slightly better fuel efficiency by reducing resistance, but overall you'll need to balance with budget considerations.