Many vehicle manufacturers are taking the old technology that cars have used for years and improving upon it. By rethinking old components and making something entirely new, vehicles can reach new heights of comfort, stability, and style. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the development of air suspension.
However, one of the downsides of new technology in vehicles is that insurance and warranty providers can take a while to catch up. This means that many new components on cars aren’t covered under some extended warranties, which can cause problems down the line. Knowing whether or not air suspension will be covered under your extended auto warranty can help you prepare for any issues.
What Is Air Suspension?
Air suspension is an improvement on the classic design of vehicle leaf suspension or coil spring system. Most cars use a series of hydraulic shocks and large springs to keep the car suspended above the road and protected from the shaking and dipping that can occur with inconsistencies on the pavement. These hydraulics and springs keep the car level while they absorb all the shock of the road.
On the other hand, Air suspension uses a compressor to pump air into bellows on each individual wheel. It uses electronic sensors to analyze the road and make the necessary changes as you drive. Instead of a mechanical system, air suspension is entirely electrical and uses pressurized air inside the bellows instead of hydraulic liquid. For the most part, these systems are found on new, high-end vehicles, but they are becoming more and more popular as manufacturers and consumers start to recognize their benefits.
Why Is Air Suspension Important?
Air suspension is considered top-of-the-line when it comes to vehicle ride quality. One of its main advantages is that it provides a much more comfortable driving experience. It has a smoother, quieter ride than traditional suspension because it adapts to the particular road conditions your car is dealing with. This also results in better handling and more responsive steering, making your car much safer to drive.
Air suspension is also important because it results in less wear and tear on your vehicle. When you hit potholes or even drive in normal conditions, the vibrations that your vehicle is subjected to can be incredibly damaging. With an air suspension, there are fewer shocks to the chassis, body, and engine, which can help keep your car in better shape for a lot longer.
Signs Your Air Suspension Needs Servicing
Like any component on a car, air suspension will sometimes need to be serviced. By staying up on your air suspension system’s maintenance and repairs, you can be sure that it will continue to deliver the kind of driving experience you expect. Knowing how to identify when your air suspension needs servicing can help you stay on top of repairs and keep your vehicle running smoothly.
If you notice that your car is riding lower than normal or that the ride is particularly rough, this could be a sign that you need to service your air suspension. If the compressor component is noisy or you hear the sound of compressed air leaking, there could be a puncture in one of the bellows, or the compressor is starting to go bad. The right extended vehicle warranty can help you pay for these repairs if they come up.
Air Suspension Repair Costs
Should aspects of your air suspension fail, it’s essential to know how much these repairs could cost. Since this system is a relatively new technology, it will be more expensive to fix than a traditional suspension. It may also be more difficult to find the right mechanic who knows what they are doing and how to work on this fairly complex component. Some of the costs associated with repairing air suspension include:
- Parts – between $164 and $207
- Labor – between $1,237 and $1,240
- Total Replacement – between $1,401 and $1,447
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Does an Extended Warranty Cover Air Suspension?
An extended warranty can be a great way to protect your vehicle after the original manufacturer’s warranty has run out. However, it’s important to understand that not all extended warranty providers will cover air suspension. Since it is a relatively new technology, many warranties don’t have it listed in their coverage breakdown. While this might change in the future, you should always check and ensure that a warranty you are considering covers your vehicle’s air suspension. Even though air suspension is less susceptible to damage, it’s still important to make sure that every part of your vehicle is covered.
Extended Warranties That Cover Air Suspension
While not all extended warranty companies will cover your vehicle’s air suspension, some will. ProGuard and Protect My Car both specifically mention air suspension in their coverage breakdown. This means that you will be covered for repairs if you have an issue with your suspension system while under their extended warranty.
Many new vehicle manufacturer warranties will also cover air suspension if it comes stock on the car. If you have added an aftermarket air suspension kit to your vehicle, some of the manufacturers of those kits will include a warranty. Check to make sure that any aftermarket air suspension kit has some kind of guarantee so your vehicle will be protected should something be faulty.
Extended Warranties That Don’t Cover Air Suspension
Some of the most popular extended warranties available on the market do not cover air suspension systems yet. Since it is still a new technology and doesn’t come standard on most cars, extended warranty companies haven’t started adding them to their coverage lists. Warranty providers like Endurance, Car Shield, and Carchex still don’t cover these systems. However, as they become more popular and the technology becomes more accessible, it will likely be added to these companies’ coverage soon.
Make Sure Your Vehicle’s Air Suspension is Covered When Shopping for an Extended Warranty
If your vehicle has an air suspension system or you are considering adding an aftermarket kit, you should make sure that it is covered by any extended warranty you are planning on getting. While air suspension is an incredibly reliable and effective technology, it is always best to make sure you are prepared in the event of a breakdown. Protecting your suspension system will keep your car running smoothly and your peace of mind intact.
