Air Management Kits Air Suspension

The control system is the heart of any air suspension kit - it’s what manages and communicates with the air springs and suspension components. But what exactly does a control system do?
There are several types and levels of control systems available. Some are analog and manual, while others are fully digital.

What Is a Manual Control System for Air Suspension?

Starting with the basics, every control system must include an air tank, compressor, air hoses, and fittings. The main difference lies in how the system is controlled. A manual system typically features a pressure gauge integrated into a panel with paddle switches that control airflow through the circuit by physically opening and closing valves.It’s called a manual system because it doesn’t use any sensors or send feedback to indicate what’s happening in the setup. However, if you have a dual-needle pressure gauge - or even two dual gauges - you can monitor the air pressure for each spring or axle. You’ll then establish your own reference between air pressure and ride height.

What’s the Difference Between a Digital and an Analog Control System in an Air Suspension Kit?

A digital control system includes a valve manifold and usually an ECU. The core of digital systems lies in their use of pressure and height sensors, which the ECU processes. The data from each air spring tells the valve manifold to open or close the solenoid valves to achieve the desired pressure.Once sensors are part of the system, you can store preset ride heights - for example, a “fully lowered” mode can be saved with minimal air pressure, while a “fully raised” mode is saved with higher pressure readings. 

Digital systems also include additional features, such as automatic ride height adjustment when the car starts, mobile app control, and diagnostic modes that help detect leaks or other issues. If height sensors are installed, you can also benefit from automatic self-leveling.

Which Control System Should I Choose?

This is a question we get every day, and our recommendation depends on your budget and the features you want.If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to get started with air suspension on your car, there’s no better option than the 4-way Manual Air Management System Airworx Suspension.However, if you’re after functionality and ease of use, the digitally controlled Air Lift 3P system is our top recommendation and the clear choice for superior performance.