Suspension connects a car's body to its wheels. Springs absorb bumps. Shock absorbers control the springs. Linkages keep the wheels in place while allowing them to move up and down. The goal is to keep the tires on the road and the passengers comfortable. Those two goals often pull in opposite directions.

Early cars used solid axles and leaf springs. Ride was harsh and handling was crude. Independent suspension, where each wheel moves on its own, arrived in the 1930s and gradually spread to all four corners. MacPherson struts, double wishbones, and multilink setups are the common modern designs.

Suspension components

• Springs: coil, leaf, air, or torsion bar.
• Shock absorbers or struts.
• Control arms and bushings.
• Anti-roll bars to limit body roll.
• Ball joints and tie rods for steering motion.

A soft suspension soaks up rough pavement but lets the body lean in corners. A stiff setup keeps the car flat and responsive but punishes passengers on broken roads. Automakers tune the compromise for the intended buyer. Luxury cars lean soft. Sports cars lean stiff. Air suspension and adaptive dampers now let the car switch between the two, adjusting in milliseconds based on speed, steering angle, and road surface.