Michigan drivers know that our roads are famous for two things: frost heaves and potholes. Driving a large truck or SUV usually means feeling every single crack in the pavement. But it doesn't have to be that way.
Chevrolet has introduced a dynamic duo of suspension technologies, Magnetic Ride Control™ and Four-Corner Air Ride Adaptive Suspension, that fundamentally change the driving experience. These systems work together to turn a rugged, capable truck into a vehicle that glides over the road with the comfort of a luxury sedan.
The secret to Magnetic Ride Control is speed. Standard shock absorbers react only after you hit a bump. Magnetic Ride Control anticipates it.
The system uses sensors to "read" the road surface up to 1,000 times per second. The shock absorbers are filled with a magnetorheological fluid, a synthetic fluid containing tiny magnetic particles.
When the sensors detect a pothole or a sharp turn, an electromagnet instantly changes the magnetic field inside the shock. This aligns the particles, changing the fluid from liquid to near-solid in milliseconds. The result? The suspension stiffens or softens instantly, absorbing the impact before it ever reaches the cabin.
While Magnetic Ride handles the bumps, Four-Corner Air Ride Adaptive Suspension handles the height and weight. This system replaces traditional steel coil springs with sophisticated air bladders at all four wheels.
For drivers in Garden City and the greater Detroit area, these technologies are more than just luxury, they are a defense mechanism.
Magnetic Ride Control reacts faster than the human brain. When you are navigating I-275 construction zones or rough surface streets, the system smooths out the ride so you arrive at your destination feeling refreshed, not rattled.
Whether you are towing a boat to the lake or a camper up north, the Air Ride system ensures your Tahoe or Silverado remains stable and level, taking the white-knuckle stress out of towing.
These premium suspension systems are typically available on the top-tier trims of Chevrolet's full-size lineup.
Yes. Both Magnetic Ride Control and Air Ride Adaptive Suspension are fully automatic systems that constantly adjust to road conditions, speed, and drive modes without any input from the driver.
Yes. The Air Ride system allows you to manually select ride heights via the drive mode dial, which is useful for off-road situations or when you need to lower the vehicle for loading cargo.
Modern air suspension systems are sealed units that are designed to be very durable. While they are more complex than steel springs, they are engineered for the life of the vehicle and provide a ride quality that steel simply cannot match.
Words can't truly describe the feeling of floating over a rough road in a 5,000-pound SUV. You have to feel it to believe it. Visit Gordon Chevrolet in Garden City to test drive a High Country or Premier model equipped with these systems. Your back will thank you.
