Suspension is a complex system comprising tires, tire air, springs, shock absorbers, and linkages that connect a vehicle to its wheels, enabling relative motion between the two.
Suspension systems face the challenging task of balancing road handling and ride quality, two factors often in conflict with each other. The process of tuning suspensions involves finding the right compromise. It is crucial for the suspension to maintain as much contact between the road wheel and the road surface as possible since all the forces exerted on the vehicle by the road or terrain act through the contact patches of the tires.
Additionally, the suspension serves to protect the vehicle itself, as well as any cargo or luggage, from damage and wear. Notably, the design of a car’s front and rear suspension may differ, as they are optimized to fulfill distinct roles.