What is Suspension Travel?
2 Answers
Suspension travel refers to the entire support system composed of springs and shock absorbers between the vehicle body and the tires. Below is relevant information about suspension travel: 1. Concept: It refers to the entire support system composed of springs and shock absorbers between the vehicle body and the tires. The functions of a suspension system should include supporting the vehicle body and improving ride comfort. Different suspension setups will provide drivers with varying driving experiences. 2. Classification: Based on control methods, it can be divided into passive suspension and active suspension. According to different vehicle guiding mechanisms, it can be categorized into independent suspension and non-independent suspension. The structural feature of non-independent suspension is that both wheels are connected by a solid axle.
I've been driving for over a decade. Suspension travel refers to the distance the wheels can move up and down, like how much the suspension can compress or extend when going over rough roads. This is crucial for daily driving. If the travel is too short, the car will jolt violently when hitting potholes, making passengers uncomfortable and potentially causing tires to lose contact with the ground, leading to braking skids. More travel is better as it cushions impacts for a smoother ride and prevents items in the trunk from getting damaged over speed bumps. When I frequently drive on highways or mountain roads, insufficient suspension travel makes steering unstable and increases accident risks. During inspections, you can test wheel movement with a jack; new car designs usually provide adequate travel, but aging springs soften and reduce it. Some adjust this during modifications, but professionals should handle it to avoid excessive travel causing body instability. Maintaining healthy suspension is both cost-effective and safe.
