Level regulation

In motor vehicles, level control is a system with which the vehicle can be kept constant in height, raised or lowered.

Applications:

Keeping the vehicle level constant with different load conditions: The level control is most often used in order to maintain the optimum ground clearance and horizontal position of the motor vehicle when the load conditions change . This serves to maintain driving safety, especially when towing a trailer at the same time. In this case, the rear axle is equipped with a mechanism that enables the necessary height compensation. This variant is usually provided for vehicles with a higher payload capacity, e.g. B. Combi.
Raising or lowering the vehicle level for various purposes: This changes the overall height and thus the ground clearance of the vehicle. For this, all vehicle axles are equipped with a height adjustment. Raising the vehicle enables you to drive over obstacles (e.g. rough terrain, curbs, underground car park entrances, etc.), while lowering enables you to drive under obstacles (e.g. height-restricted driveways, ferries, bridges, etc.). This variant can be found in off-road vehicles, emergency vehicles, military vehicles, luxury sports cars and in the tuning scene.
Changing the vehicle level for visual reasons: The change in ground clearance is used as a visual effect for show vehicles (see lowrider ).

Technical implementation:

Hydropneumatic shock absorbers : The level of the shock absorber is adjusted by pumping in or releasing compressed air or oil. For this, the gas space of the shock absorber is led to the outside. The necessary pressure is generated by a compressor. Often in connection with a sensor system for detecting the vehicle height. A control automatically adjusts the level.
Air landing gear or air bellows to support the main spring.

Installation: Level controls are offered ex works as standard equipment or options - but can also be retrofitted (e.g. Monroe Level Light, Sachs Niveaumat or various air suspension units).