Auto manufacturers have constantly enhanced the technology to improve the stability and handling of vehicles. Magnetic Ride Control is one of the fastest adaptive suspension systems which increases comfortability and improves ride quality. It is a chassis and suspension technology developed by General Motors. That said, this type of suspension system adapts to the driving conditions and adjusts the shock absorbers in real-time.
This guide will help you understand how Magnetic Ride Control works and its advantages.
WHAT IS A MAGNETIC RIDE CONTROL?
The Magnetic Ride Control was initially developed in 1995 by the Delphi Automotive Corporation, an automotive part supplier founded by General Motors. The control system is also known as the MagneRide system. The MagneRide system has enhanced seals and bearings to widen its application for different car body types including heavy vehicles such as pick-up trucks and SUVs.
Furthermore, the system is paired with the electronic control unit (ECU) to enhance its functionality.
HOW DOES A MAGNERIDE SYSTEM WORK
One of the well-known facts about General Motors is that it has acquired many automotive companies such as Cadillac, Chevrolet, Buick and General Motors Company (GMC). That said, all the companies working under the governance of GM have this technology equipped in most of their vehicle models as standard.
Magnetic Ride Control has no moving mechanical parts eradicating the chances of wear and tear. Instead of small moving components, the MagneRide shock absorbers use the following components.
- Magnetorheological fluid
- A set of sensors and electronic control unit (ECU)
MAGNETORHEOLOGICAL FLUID
The Magnetic Ride Control has a monotube filled with Magnetorheological fluid in each wheel. That said, electromagnets create different magnetic fields across the fuel passages resulting in varied fluid viscosity which adjusts the damping according to the driving conditions.
SENSORS
Modern vehicles are equipped with different types of sensors. These sensors check the wheel speed 1000 times after every 5 seconds. Furthermore, if the sensors detect a poor driving condition, they send signals to the ECU which uses actuators to vary damping and enhance the driving experience.
ADJUSTABILITY OF MAGNETIC RIDE CONTROL
Since auto manufacturers have implemented advanced and smarter technology, the vehicles provide a better and more comfortable ride on tough terrains. The driving modes in cars such as normal, sports or off-track modes require different damper settings. That said, MagneRide allows drivers to change the stiffness of the car’s suspension system.
For instance, when you drive in normal mode, it implies a soft suspension setting whereas sport mode requires a stiff suspension setting and race mode needs an even stiffer suspension setting. Magnetic Ride suspension system ensures ride quality by varying the damper and suspension stiffness as soon as the driver switches driving modes.
ADVANTAGES OF MAGNETIC RIDE CONTROL
Auto manufacturers use more electronic sensors to replace mechanical parts and improve ride quality. Similarly, Magnetic Ride Control being one of the advanced suspension systems provides the following benefits:
- No mechanical wear and tear
- Accurate and precise in assessing road conditions and using the magnetic power to vary the viscosity of fluid
- Low-velocity damping control on small bumps, dips or rollers
- Similarly, high-velocity damping control can assist on tough terrains
- Determines the force required at a certain velocity to adjust the fluid viscosity and draw the force-velocity graph
Apart from these benefits, the MagneRide system detects the driving and road conditions 1000 times each second. That said, this suspension system can adjust in milliseconds and provide a better ride quality than the normal suspension system.
VEHICLES WITH MAGNERIDE SUSPENSION SYSTEM
Many auto manufacturers have used this technology to ensure firm ride quality, specially the auto companies acquired by General Motors. Cadillac used the first generation Delphi suspension system. However, the auto brand replaced it with its own Cadillac Magnetic Ride Control in most of its vehicles today. Apart from Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC and Buick also use this system. That said, you can have a look at the all-new 2022 Chevrolet Tahoe featuring the Magnetic Ride System.
Apart from the companies acquired by GM, other automakers using Magnetic Ride Control include Audi, Ferrari, Ford and Land Rover. You can find the following used cars in the UAE featuring Magnetic Ride Control:
- Used Chevrolet Camaro in the UAE
- Second-hand Chevrolet Tahoe in the UAE
- Pre-owned Land Rover Range Rover in the UAE
- Used Audi R8 in the UAE
To know more about features that enhance your ride quality, stay connected to UAE’s top auto blog.
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