1.47 Knowing the parts of a vehicle: Plastic spring suspension system
The suspension system is one of the most vital parts of a vehicle. He is responsible for absorbing the impacts and irregularities of the terrain, providing comfort to vehicle occupants and ensuring stability and safety while driving. In this chapter, we will specifically explore the plastic spring suspension system.
What is plastic spring suspension system?
The plastic spring suspension system, also known as composite spring suspension, is a type of suspension that uses springs made from a plastic composite material, usually a type of glass fiber reinforced polymer. This type of suspension is relatively new to the automotive market, but is gaining in popularity due to its advantages over traditional steel springs.
Advantages of plastic springs
Plastic springs have several advantages over steel springs. First, they are lighter, which can reduce overall vehicle weight and improve fuel efficiency. In addition, plastic springs are more resistant to corrosion, which can increase their durability and reduce the need for maintenance. Additionally, plastic springs can be molded into complex shapes, which can allow for greater flexibility in suspension system design.
Components of plastic spring suspension system
The plastic spring suspension system is made up of several main components. Firstly, the springs themselves, which are made of a plastic composite material. These springs are generally designed to be progressive, which means that their stiffness increases with increasing load. This allows the suspension system to automatically adjust to the driving conditions.
Another important component of the plastic spring suspension system is the shock absorbers. These are hydraulic devices that help control the movement of springs and absorb impacts. Shock absorbers are especially important on vehicles with plastic springs, as these springs tend to be more flexible than steel springs, and may need additional control to prevent excessive movement.
Maintenance of the plastic spring suspension system
The maintenance of a plastic spring suspension system is generally simpler than that of a steel spring suspension system. Due to their resistance to corrosion, plastic springs rarely need to be replaced. However, it is important to regularly check the condition of the shock absorbers, as they can wear out over time and need to be replaced.
In conclusion, the plastic spring suspension system is an interesting innovation in the automotive world. It offers several advantages over the traditional steel spring suspension system, including lighter weight, greater corrosion resistance and greater design flexibility. However, like any suspension system, it requires proper maintenance to ensure its performance and durability.
