What does pneumatic modification mean?
4 Answers
Pneumatic modification usually refers to the replacement of air suspension. Pneumatic modified suspension is a type of shock absorber that controls the vehicle height through air pressure. The working principle of pneumatic suspension is to adjust the vehicle height by controlling air pressure, which includes elastic rubber airbag shock absorbers, an air pressure control system, a trunk-mounted air tank, and an electronic control system. Modified pneumatic shock absorbers are typically connected to a control remote in the vehicle, allowing the setting of several preset positions for quick switching between different heights. This enables the car to "slam" to the ground when parked and rise to a normal driving height during regular operation.
Car enthusiasts often talk about air suspension modifications, which essentially means installing an air suspension system in the car. We usually modify this to adjust the ride height on demand. For example, at a red light, with a press of a remote, the car instantly lowers itself—that slammed stance looks especially cool. On the highway, you can raise it to avoid scraping the undercarriage. The system uses airbags instead of springs, with an electric pump controlling the stiffness by adjusting air pressure. However, maintenance can be a hassle—regular checks on air hose seals are necessary. Also, modifying models that don’t come with this feature from the factory might affect annual inspections. Before diving in, it’s best to check local regulations—don’t just focus on looking cool and forget about compliance.
I've been involved in air suspension modification for eight years, and the core concept is using compressed air to control the suspension. After modification, the car will be equipped with an air tank and compressor, with a controller placed in the driver's seat. When picking up my child from school, I raise the body height for easier access, and during weekend mountain drives, I lower the center of gravity to enhance handling. The key is to choose high-quality airbags, as poor rubber materials can easily crack and leak on rough roads. Currently, domestic AIRBFT kits offer good value for money, featuring memory functions that can store three height settings. When passing through narrow obstacles, lowering to the minimum setting can provide an extra 5 cm of clearance. However, it's important to note that air lines can freeze in winter, so owners in northern regions need to add antifreeze.
Most cars you see with their bodies slammed to the ground have modified air suspension. The principle is quite simple: replace the springs with rubber airbags, and adjust the vehicle height by inflating or deflating them. The air pump sounds like a refrigerator starting up, and the system only needs about 8 kg of pressure to lift the car. When parked, fully deflating the system allows the tires to tuck into the wheel arches, making it especially popular among stance enthusiasts. However, this setup consumes a lot of electricity, so cars with aging batteries should be cautious about modifications. A friend of mine once faced the embarrassing situation of not being able to inflate the system.
