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Side collision protection

Side collision protection


The most important component in case of a side impact is the B-pillar. which is designed to utilise the pendulum effect. Therefore, the B-pillar is extremely stiff in the middle and slightly softer in the upper and lower sections. This results in the B-pillar acting as a pendulum and directs the forces via the sills and into the car. The front doors have angled door members to direct the forces to the B-pillar and to increase the pendulum effect. Due to the robust design of the B-pillar, a larger proportion of the force impact is directed to the hip area of the body instead of to the much softer body areas at chest level.

It is extremely important that the characteristics of the energy-absorbing deformation zones and the stable cabin enclosure are not deteriorated or changed after body repairs. The cabin enclosure must never be weaker after repairs. However, the deformation zones must neither be made stronger than what they were before the damage occurred. An excessively strong side/B-pillar propagates the forces instead of slowing them down, resulting in excessive stresses on the cabin enclosure.

Important

In order for Saab Automobile to be able to accept responsibility and guarantee that the car will have the same high standard of passive safety after a repair as it did before, it is extremely important that the work is done using only the correct methods and correct materials.


Side collision protection in doors


The Saab 9-3 is equipped with supplementary side impact protection in the doors. The rear doors have protection in both the upper and the lower part. The upper protection is fitted in the door with two plastic clips. The protection is in the form of plastic foam spacers.

Important

Always refit the plastic foam spacers in the doors if they have been removed. This is extremely important to maintain the safety demands on the car in case of a side collision.