Many cars are now equipped with computer-controlled active suspension systems. In these systems, a computer-controlled actuator is positioned at the top of each shock absorber or strut. The actuators rotate a shaft connected to the shock's valve inside the piston rod. Many of these systems have two models, soft and firm. In the soft mode, the actuators position the valves so these is less restriction to the movement of oil. When the computer changes the actuators to the firm mode, the actuators position the valves so they provide more restriction to oil movement, which results in a firmer ride.

MagneRide

MagneRide is a semi-active suspension system that features shocks or struts without electromechanical valves or small moving parts. Instead of valve-controlled orifices, MagneRide regulates the flow of fluid by a variable magnetic field produced by a small electric coil mounted in the shock. The shocks are filled with magneto-rheological (MR) fluid. MR fluid consists of magnetically soft particles, such as iron, suspended in a synthetic fluid.

The action of the shock forces the fluid through an opening. When the shock is in its off state, the fluid is not magnetized and flows freely through the orifice. When current is sent to the coil, the fluid becomes magnetized and its viscosity changes instantly.

The material changes from a fluid state to a semi-solid state that is directly proportional to the magnetic field applied to it. With little or no electrical current, the iron particles are randomly distributed, and the fluid passes freely through the piston orifice. When a strong electrical current is applied to the coil, the resulting magnetic field aligns the iron particles so that the fluid stiffens and the flow is resisted. This causes heavy damping. The resulting damping force is proportional to the viscosity, which is proportional to the strength of the magnetic field.