by Adaptive suspension gives the driver the ability to adjust the shock absorber stiffness manually or work fully automatically adjusting the suspension to the engine, gearbox, or road surface type. Different names for adaptive shock absorbers can be found on the internet – shock absorbers with EDС, ADS, MRC, CDC, VDC, each manufacturer gives its own name for the technology, however, all of them are adjustable shock absorbers or shock absorbers with electronic adjustment. We will focus on adaptive shock absorbers. Most premium class cars, sports cars, and cars with pneumatic suspension are equipped with adaptive suspension. The principle of operation of the adjustable shock absorber visually distinguishes a regular shock absorber from an electronically adjustable shock absorber by the presence of a control valve on the active shock absorber housing, commonly referred to as a barrel, and the power and control wires leading to it. In the adaptive shock absorber, a complex system of valves is implemented, which is responsible for adjusting the stiffness. There are many variants of implementation of adaptive shock absorbers. Each car brand has its own name for this technology. The main difference between an electronically adjustable shock absorber and a regular shock absorber is the ability to change its stiffness depending on road surface parameters and driver requests. Normally, adaptive suspension design includes several modes, but depending on the car brand, they may vary. The two main modes can be highlighted: sport; comfort. The driver can select any mode depending on the needs. Each mode involves automatic adjustment of the shock absorber stiffness. In the Sport mode, the adaptive suspension increases downforce (aerodynamics), thereby improving dynamic characteristics, increasing road grip, thus simplifying car handling, allowing to take turns with fewer overloads and body rolls. In Comfort mode, the shock absorbers absorb road surface irregularities, thus providing a comfortable ride, especially when it comes to large premium-class cars. Quite often, owners of cars with active suspension find out that the car is equipped with such suspension only when this suspension fails. The main problem that owners face when a car with active suspension breaks down is the price and availability. The cost of a new shock absorber can start from a thousand dollars, in addition to the “attractive” price, there is a factor of availability from official dealers. The estimated waiting time for the part is 3-4 weeks. An alternative option is the repair of adaptive shock absorbers. The cost of repair will be 30-50% lower than the cost of a new part. Repair times are 1-2 days. The only nuance is to find a specialized car service station where the repair will be performed using professional equipment and qualified personnel. You can find many offers on the internet for shock absorber repair for 600-900 UAH, but in fact, it has nothing to do with the real repair of struts. Another option is a Chinese alternative. They are quite easy and quick to find on the Ukrainian market at a fairly reasonable price. However, there is a nuance related to the operation of the electronic adjustment. Often Chinese counterparts have a plug, that is, externally the shock absorber looks like an electronically adjustable shock absorber, but in fact, it is not there. The Chinese equivalent will work as a regular shock absorber. Perhaps this option is quite acceptable for someone because, as we wrote above, some car owners with adaptive suspension do not even realize that their car is equipped with this technology.
