Florida roads are generally flat, but they aren't perfect. From the expansion joints on the Buckman Bridge to the uneven surfaces of construction zones, driving a large truck or SUV can sometimes feel less than smooth. 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 bump 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.
When parked, the vehicle can automatically lower itself up to 2 inches. This makes it significantly easier for children, shorter passengers, or anyone loading groceries to get in and out.
At highway speeds on I-95, the system lowers the vehicle slightly. This reduces drag, improves aerodynamics, and helps squeeze extra miles out of every gallon of gas.
For beach driving or light trails, the system can raise the vehicle up to 2 inches, providing extra ground clearance.
This is critical for boat owners. When you hook up a heavy trailer, a standard truck will "squat" in the rear. Air Ride automatically pumps up the rear suspension to keep the vehicle perfectly level, ensuring your headlights aim correctly and your steering remains responsive.
For drivers in Orange Park and the greater Jacksonville area, these technologies are more than just luxury; they enhance capability.
Magnetic Ride Control smooths out the repetitive bumps of concrete highway expansion joints, making long drives to Orlando or Savannah much less fatiguing.
Whether you are towing a boat to the St. Johns River or a camper to the springs, 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 the road in a 5,000-pound SUV. You have to feel it to believe it. Visit Gordon Chevrolet in Orange Park to test drive a High Country or Premier model equipped with these systems. Your back will thank you.
