What is the purpose of a car's anti-collision beam?
2 Answers
Car anti-collision beams are U-shaped channels pressed from cold-rolled steel plates and connected to the frame longitudinal beams. As the first barrier of passive safety in automobiles, anti-collision steel beams are crucial safety devices that absorb and mitigate external impacts, protecting the front and rear parts of the vehicle body. Anti-collision beams are divided into front and rear types. The front anti-collision steel beam is connected to the vehicle's body longitudinal beams, protecting components like the radiator and reducing damage in minor accidents. They are typically made of steel, fiberglass, or aluminum alloy, with a thickness ranging from 1.5 to 3mm. The front anti-collision steel beam is usually covered by a layer of foam supporting the outer plastic skin, primarily serving pedestrian protection. The rear anti-collision beam is generally thicker than the front one, around 2 to 3mm, and is connected to the longitudinal beams under the vehicle chassis. Its purpose is to reduce impact in minor rear-end collisions, protecting the thin spare tire rack and rear fenders. Without a rear anti-collision beam, even a slight rear-end collision can cause damage as the plastic skin cannot withstand any impact.
As a veteran driver with over 20 years of experience, I believe the anti-collision beam is extremely important—it's primarily there to protect us drivers. Located inside the bumper at the front and rear of the car, it's usually made of high-strength steel or aluminum alloy. In the event of a collision, such as a rear-end or being rear-ended, it absorbs the impact force immediately, preventing it from directly transferring into the cabin. This reduces the risk of injury to passengers, especially in low-speed accidents where only the anti-collision beam might be damaged, saving the need to repair the engine or body frame. I once experienced a minor scrape where the anti-collision beam deformed, but everyone inside was completely unharmed. Don’t overlook its importance in daily driving—it also helps protect pedestrians and reduces repair costs. In short, it’s like the front-line airbag of the car, silently safeguarding every trip.
