ELI5: How is vehicle suspension ‘tuned’ for local (i.e. country) conditions?

Submitted by KDNA-AUST t3_zyh4fi in explainlikeimfive

At least in Australia, many imported cars are advertised having suspension specifically tuned for the Australian market. I assume this is refers to suspension suited to local roads, and that Australia has the range of road types and quality typical of most other comparable countries. So how is suspension modified for specifically Australia? Is it changes to component brand, type and/or settings? What factors do manufacturers consider? Legit or is it all just marketing?

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[deleted] t1_j25t90u wrote

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explainlikeimfive-ModTeam t1_j26ajpd wrote

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Your comment has been removed for the following reason(s):

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[deleted] t1_j25xde4 wrote

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Antman013 t1_j266plt wrote

IS it something about the composition of the asphalt?

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THEchiQ t1_j268y9z wrote

In NZ our high speed roads, and many low speed ones too, are surfaced with liquid tar, and then coated in small sharp stones. This adds a great deal of road noise and wear to the equation. We use much harder rubber than is used in the US, to prevent faster wear.

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DrFafnir t1_j283txt wrote

Why?

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THEchiQ t1_j2b6ojo wrote

Cheaper; seamless; more elastic and tougher; more easily resurfaced; not prone to potholes; suits the terrain. There’s no perfect road surface, but you can choose the one that is optimal. Chipseal is great for windy highways. Hot mix asphalt is mainly used in build-up residential areas and on motorways. We don’t really use concrete for roads at all.

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explainlikeimfive-ModTeam t1_j26age3 wrote

Please read this entire message

Your comment has been removed for the following reason(s):

  • Top level comments (i.e. comments that are direct replies to the main thread) are reserved for explanations to the OP or follow up on topic questions (Rule 3).

Anecdotes, while allowed elsewhere in the thread, may not exist at the top level.

If you would like this removal reviewed, please read the detailed rules first. If you believe it was removed erroneously, explain why using this form and we will review your submission.

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gliderXC t1_j26h8ks wrote

There are a couple of aspects to consider: Legal requirements, road conditions and driving culture, price/quality of parts and conceived quality (vs the brand of the car).

Legal requirements may require certain tests to be performed and passed (e.g. braking). Suspension (and tires provided) have an influence.

Road conditions in Germany (e.g. high maximum speeds, but pretty good surface) are different from the US (bad roads, generally more relaxed driving / better distance keeping).

Parts: If the suspension is treated more poorly, it will wear out sooner. So in certain countries they may be forced to provide better but pricier parts. Bearings come to mind too.

Cheaper cars may not get any tuning. More expensive cars have the driving experience match the brand (e.g. Ferrari has a different suspension compared to BMW).

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blipsman t1_j2641hu wrote

Adjustments to softness/firmness of suspension components/shocks, ground clearance could be adjusted to local market expectations.

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