Tesla ordered! Requestng advice on Smart Suspension for northern Minnesota

There are more cars with than without it, though some of that was because that was the only available suspension for quite a while. I have the air suspension on mine and it's been helpful on numerous occasions.

Note that to keep the suspension high, you have to drive slow because over a certain speed it lowers to standard height automatically, so it won't help with potholes--other than make them feel softer--but it will help with your last mile.

You don't say but I sure hope you ordered 19" wheels.

Welcome to the forum and congrats on your decision to purchase! I think the air/Smart Suspension is a good move, but of course it's up to you. Additionally, here's a thread that can help with your question: Newbie Question: Air Suspension vs Standard

To me, the pros outweigh the cons.

Air is the way to go, will help with your road and nice to have it in low on the highway.

jerry33 said:

.../ Note that to keep the suspension high, you have to drive slow because over a certain speed it lowers to standard height automatically, so it won't help with potholes--other than make them feel softer--but it will help with your last mile. /...

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Haven’t Tesla said that they are going to make it possible for drivers to set the Air Suspension at the highest level and drive at higher speeds with the upcoming firmware 6.0?

SwedishAdvocate said:

Haven’t Tesla said that they are going to make it possible for drivers to set the Air Suspension at the highest level and drive at higher speeds with the upcoming firmware 6.0?

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I can't recall offhand, but when you purchase something you should purchase it on the merits of what it comes with when it's delivered--with the exception of Superchargers. If it turns out that 6.x improves it, great. If not, you won't be disappointed. Of course, you would really have to work at it to be disappointed with the Model S--regardless of configuration.

In Massachusetts I opted for the air. It's pothole hell out there so I believe it makes the ride softer.

Congrats on your purchase!

No. Minnesota

OK – I’m in! Last week I put a payment down on an S85: Gray with Black Interior – Pano – Tech Package - hoping for late June delivery - woot!

So I’ve been wondering who would use the Smart Suspension, and I think the answer is me. I live in northern Minnesota, and the last mile to my house is a Class 5 gravel road, more dirt than gravel – and it’s spring - yesterday there were several mud wallows that the Prius had to work a bit to get to (I know a lot of you are cringing here). In the winter we get significant snow and Duluth is full of potholes and steep terrain (12% on the hill). I have an Acura MDX (original 2001 model) with 260K - that's my deep snow/woods car, and I would baby the Tesla, but am thinking the ability to raise the suspension would be a good idea.

Who has this option and can tell me about it? Was it worth it for you? Opinions are really welcome, I have a week to add an upgraded suspension to my order.

Thanks, glad to have found the forum!


I live in Minneapolis and know that you have a great car. You clearly will want snow tires. You should have the ability to use a high suspension and use it going quite slow in high snow. Overall, the car works very well in our winter.

I read your post and for a second I thought you were writing about my road. Ha! I live in washington state and drive my model s P85 down a 3 mile gravel road daily(one way) I do this at minimum 3 times a day to get the kids to and from the bus. But usually more. The car handles fantastic. And yes I definitely recommend air. I raise the car to high which you can now go up to 35mph daily and definitely used very high(up to 20mph) with snow during the winter (we had anywhere from 6" to 3' at one time)

ghost640 said:

Cool, nice to know that someone else takes a Tesla on dirt roads - three miles is a pretty long haul! Most of the time ours is in pretty good shape, but I feel like I should set up a car wash station at the end of my drive.

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+1

ha! I've said this so many times. We put xpel ultimate full coverage on our car to protect the paint and the front window from any stray rocks that might fly(can I just say completely worth the $) anyhow you can get a film wax and apply it and it does a great job at helping to repel the dirt so you can really just rinse the car vs having to do a complete "wash" as you normally would especially on a rainy day when it would be muddy water. But ya. We've also talked about setting something up. But I live in seattle where it rains like 280 days a year. I just let Mother Nature do it for me.

Greetings from Minneapolis....

Yes being able to raise the car up on extra snowy days is essential. And as others have said, snow tires are a good idea as well. Hope to see you around!

-m

PS: Great color choices!

ghost640 said:

OK, I did my part for Earth Day- the Tesla order is confirmed! I know it's a sacrifice, but this planet is worth it! :smile:

(and yes, it has smart suspension!)

I'll keep you all posted - eta late June!

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Congrats! What a way to celebrate. My Model S was delivered on National Plug In Day in 2012 so an easy day to remember as well.