What is the difference between curtain airbags and airbags?
2 Answers
The differences between curtain airbags and airbags are as follows: 1. Different deployment positions: Airbags are devices that inflate to protect occupants before a secondary collision occurs during a crash. Curtain airbags, also known as head airbags, deploy during a collision to cover the windows, thereby protecting passengers. 2. Different protection principles: The airbag system is generally a single airbag system for the steering wheel or a dual airbag system. In vehicles equipped with dual airbags and seatbelt pretensioner systems, both the airbags and seatbelt pretensioners activate simultaneously during a collision, regardless of the speed. This results in the waste of airbags during low-speed collisions and significantly increases repair costs. Curtain airbags are installed inside the curved steel beams of the roof, typically spanning from front to rear, and are controlled by lateral acceleration sensors inside the vehicle. They deploy when the lateral acceleration exceeds the normal value and reaches a dangerous level. They provide excellent protection for occupants in severe accidents such as side collisions and rollovers.
When I first bought a car, I paid special attention to safety features. The salesperson explained in detail the difference between curtain airbags and regular airbags. Airbags are mainly installed in the steering wheel and in front of the passenger seat, inflating rapidly during a frontal collision and popping out like a large pillow to protect the head and chest. Curtain airbags, on the other hand, are located above the doors or inside the roof lining, inflating and deploying during a side collision or rollover, resembling a wide curtain covering the window area, specifically designed to protect the head and shoulders from impact with the car's side or glass fragments. Airbags are designed for frontal impacts, while curtain airbags are for lateral accidents. Many car models come standard with airbags, but curtain airbags are often only found in higher trims or SUVs. In terms of safety, curtain airbags can significantly reduce the rate of severe injuries in side collisions, so it's advisable to check safety ratings when buying a car. Some older cars only come with airbags, which can feel like something is missing, especially when driving long distances with family, as comprehensive protection becomes more important.
