 | rad Train is the General Manager overseeing day-to-day operations of Saturn West & Saturn East for the owner Scott Davies. He joined the Wichita Saturn team in 1994 as a Sales Consultant, after 3 years he entered the Saturn Management Team. Brad is a graduate of Southeast High and Butler Community College. He and his wife Michelle have 3 children; Shelby, Andrew and Jacob. You can contact Brad at (316)219-5500, or by e-mail at bradtrain@saturnwichita.com |
Cars, Trucks, Vans & Automotive
2004-07-01 09:50:00
Plastic & Rubber vs. steel
: I'm worried about the plastic and rubber cars we drive now. How can they be safe compared to the heavy metal cars of the past?
ANSWER: Vehicle technology has grown by leaps and bounds in the past decade, especially safety features. Who would have imagined that your vehicle would have an airbag much less, one that knows exactly how hard to deploy for the amount of impact or the weight of the person in the seat it is protecting! Cars now offer Head Curtain air bags, which drop like inflated curtains on both sides of the passenger compartment to protect against head injuries in a side collision and Reduced Force airbags, designed to work with safety belts and child restraints to protect passengers during moderate to severe frontal collisions.The outside of the car is always the most important when involved in an accident. The stronger the frame and skins of the car, the less severe the damage will be to the passengers riding in it. The "heavy metal" cars of the past were tough, but newer technology has provided us with materials that are just as tough and makes the body of the vehicle lighter by thrusting the weight to the frame for more solidity, therefore allowing additional occupant protection. The lighter weight body also increases energy efficiency. Polymer materials, used in making some of the newer cars, is more dent resistant than steel. These polymers create a durable exterior shell. Polymer body side panels and fenders are dent and corrosion-resistant. Door panels are made from a springier version of polymer that enables them to bend and bounce back to absorb the energy from a variety of small impacts without damage, including a runaway shopping cart. Polymer bumpers wrap around the front and rear of the vehicle for additional protection and resist impact from crashes. And lastly, not only will these polymers help maintain the safety of the driver and passengers, they will keep your car looking newer longer.
