Air Shocks vs Air Bags: What’s The Difference?

Air Shocks vs Air Bags
Air Shocks vs Air Bags

Air shocks and airbags are the two most widespread air suspension systems. Both have been around for quite some time and are used widely in vehicles. However, determining which is better is complicated by the similarities between air shocks and airbags.

The decision to use an air shock instead of an airbag is not based primarily on cost or performance. The most important thing is to select the appropriate air suspension for the car, and we recommend that you go with the one that offers the best results.

If airbags or airlifts work, that’s great, but if not, don’t be scared to employ new air shocks or airbags. Here’s a comparison between both of them. Let’s get into it without any further ado!

Air Shocks vs Air Bags

Comparison Table

Features Air Shocks Air Bags
Heavy load Incapable of handling Can handle
Adaptability Can be customized Not possible

Adaptability

Can be customized

Not possible

Low High

Air Shocks

Air shocks are mechanisms that resemble conventional shock absorbers but have the added benefit of using compressed air to bear some of the vehicle’s weight. Today, they are still employed with mechanical springs, which carry the bulk of the load.

Compared to a regular shock absorber, air shocks provide a more stable and steady ride. They are intended to prevent the vehicle from sagging to one side when loaded and to maintain its level.

This can come in handy if you’re towing a large vehicle or trailer, such as an RV or horse trailer.

You don’t need air shocks if your vehicle has leaf springs or coil springs. Still, suppose it uses air suspension as many newer cars, trucks, and vans do.

In that case, you need to have air shock absorbers to prevent the pneumatic system from being overwhelmed by the rigidity of a regular shock absorber, which might lead to instability and a rough ride.

air shock absorbers

However, kits are available if you wish to convert your factory suspension to air, even if your car wasn’t built initially with air shocks.

Either use air shocks on both axles or mount both bags on a single wheel. One way or another, a compressor and an air tank are essential for ride height customization.

Air springs cannot take a car’s role as shocks. When utilized in conjunction with your ride’s current shocks (which also contribute to damping control), they lead to an optimal driving experience.

In addition to their numerous benefits, air shocks are versatile because they can easily adjust to meet different handling needs. Modern systems are built to raise airbag pressure in reaction to prolonged compression, resulting in enhanced handling and steadiness.

Working

Air shocks work the same way as regular shocks. Their main attribute is to endure a lot of pressure and dampen without breaking. When you go over a bump on the road, your suspension compresses to smooth the ride.

After that, the suspension snaps back to its original state. When you strike a bump on the street, compression forces act upon the suspension. This is what damping refers to.

Compression and rebound forces from a heavy load might be too much for your stock suspension to handle. To safely move heavy loads, you may need to add air shocks and heavier springs to your rear suspension.

Moreover, Air Shocks are similar in design to conventional shocks as they are tube-shaped metal housings with a steel damping rod fitted within. The housing’s tube form allows for fluid exchange when compression forces move the damping rod.

As part of routine maintenance, u. When you buy air shocks, they come with the necessary metal fittings, a Schrader valve, and a plastic air hose so you can inflate them after installation.

You can even fill your air shocks with a dedicated air shock pump or a regular bicycle pump.

Air Bags

An airbag is a safety device that looks like a pillow and inflates in the event of a frontal crash in a car. The airbag acts as a safety cushion for the passengers within.

Thus, they are protected against a head-on collision with interior components like the dashboard and steering wheel. It is undoubtedly among the modern automobile’s most essential safety elements.

Safety Airbag

When used with seat belts, airbags work best as extra safety features. Airbags in the front and on the side will deploy in collisions of moderate to severe severity. On the other hand, they may also blow up from light collisions.

Airbags are an additional safety feature only. These are not intended to be used in place of safety belts. In the case of an accident, they lessen the likelihood that your upper torso and head would strike the inside of the car.

Seat belts, both lap and shoulder, must be fastened securely to reduce the risk of harm from an activated airbag.

Both airbags and air shocks are easy to set up, although installing airbags is slightly less complicated.

Working

Upon sensing an impact, the airbag system’s control unit signals the airbag inflators to deploy. The inflator is equipped with an igniter that kicks off a chemical reaction that results in gas.

After this, the airbag explodes from its container and inflates. All of this takes place in less than one-tenth of a second.

Airbags employ a chemical called sodium azide. When ignited, it emits a gas consisting of nitrogen. As an inert and non-toxic gas, nitrogen offers no threat whatsoever. However, keep in mind that there are serious health risks related to handling sodium azide.

Despite its namesake, airbags are nothing like balloons. They have a dangerously fast rate of deployment and can injure people. When deployed, a passenger leans forward, is near the airbag, and is more likely to be hurt.

It’s best to keep your distance from the dashboard and the driving wheel by sitting back in your seat.

Unfortunately, airbags can only be used once. You can’t use them again after they’ve been deployed. To get them changed, you should visit a certified repair shop.

When deployed, airbags travel at a speed of up to 200 mph, which is fast enough to inflict serious harm. At least 10 inches of space is required for the driver to sit back from the steering wheel, and the front passenger must be at least 20 inches away from the dashboard.

Final Verdict

This article discusses the differences between air shocks and airbags. Airbags’ primary function is to distribute body weight, though they are not energy absorbers (as shock absorbers).

That’s why, when a bump in the road has displaced the air suspension, you need a shock absorber or some other system to rein in the wheel movement. Airbags can harm passengers in some cases and must be installed again once deployed.

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