What does independent suspension mean?
2 Answers
Independent suspension means that the left and right wheels are not connected to a rigid axle, but are each connected to the vehicle body through links and springs. When one wheel is impacted by the road surface and bounces, it does not affect the operation of the other wheel. The advantages of independent suspension are: 1. Lightweight, reducing the impact on the vehicle body and improving the ground adhesion of the wheels. 2. Softer springs with lower stiffness can be used to enhance the comfort of the vehicle. 3. It allows the engine to be positioned lower, which also lowers the vehicle's center of gravity, thereby improving driving stability. 4. The left and right wheels can bounce independently without interfering with each other, reducing body tilt and vibrations. 5. However, independent suspension systems have disadvantages such as complex structure, high cost, and inconvenient maintenance. Additionally, due to their complex structure, they may occupy some interior passenger space.
The most intuitive feeling I get while driving is the comfort brought by the independent suspension. Each wheel has its own spring and shock absorber, like stepping on four separate air cushions. When passing over potholes, it's noticeably more stable than the rigid non-independent suspension, and passengers in the back seat no longer have to worry about being jolted around. During turns, the body leans less, and the tires grip the road firmly, adding an extra sense of security when driving in the rain. Although maintenance might be more expensive, and the suspension structure has more parts that are prone to minor issues, the daily commute and long-distance travel experience are much better. When choosing a car, I specifically test-drove and compared—the independent suspension handles speed bumps cleanly, with just a 'thud' and it's over.
