Do all new cars have an energy absorbing collapsible steering column?
The vast majority of new cars today feature an energy-absorbing collapsible steering column, designed to deform in a crash and reduce injuries to the driver. Yet there are exceptions, depending on where a car is sold, the vehicle class, and the model’s safety package.
What is an energy-absorbing collapsible steering column?
In simple terms, it is a steering shaft engineered to deform and collapse in a controlled manner during a frontal crash, helping to reduce the force transmitted to the driver. The system is designed to work in concert with the steering wheel and airbags to improve overall occupant protection.
Before listing the main components and how they work, here are the key aspects to understand:
- Collapsible/energy-absorbing shaft: designed to deform progressively in a frontal impact.
- Telescoping design: allows length adjustment while providing controlled collapse.
- Energy absorber element: a crushable linkage or other material that dissipates crash forces.
- Integration with airbags: ensures proper timing and deployment in relation to the column’s collapse.
- Manufacturing variability: different carmakers may use different mechanisms, but they aim to meet safety standards.
In practice, nearly all modern passenger cars employ some form of energy-absorbing steering column; however, there are exceptions in very low-volume or specialized vehicles and in markets with distinct regulatory frameworks.
Do new cars universally meet this design requirement?
In most mainstream new cars sold in major markets, you will find energy-absorbing collapsible steering columns as part of standard safety architecture. The exact compliance depends on regulatory rules in the country where the car is sold, as well as the vehicle category and model year.
Here are the general regulatory and market considerations that influence adoption:
- Regulatory standards: In the United States, the FMVSS 204 standard governs energy absorption in steering columns; similar requirements exist in Europe and other regions through UNECE regulations and national implementations.
- Vehicle class and market: Passenger cars and light trucks sold in developed markets typically include collapsible columns; some specialized or non-traditional vehicles may use alternative designs.
- Model year and safety packages: Even within the same model range, base trims might differ from higher trims in features and safety system implementations.
- Exceptions and edge cases: In very old stock, retrofitted vehicles, or certain low-volume/experimental models, a non-collapsible design may appear, though these are uncommon in new releases.
For consumers curious about a specific model, check the vehicle’s safety documentation, the owner’s manual, or the manufacturer’s official specifications. Official safety testing data from regulatory bodies can also confirm whether a given car employs an energy-absorbing steering column.
Real-world considerations
In day-to-day practice, buyers can rely on the fact that steering-column energy absorption is a well-established safety feature in modern cars, intended to work in concert with airbags and seatbelts. The absence of an energy absorber in a brand-new passenger car would be unusual and could affect the vehicle’s safety ratings in some markets.
However, there are some caveats. In some heavy-duty vehicles or specific off-road designs, the safety approach to crash energy management may differ, and not all designs rely on a conventional energy-absorbing column in the same way. Always verify with the manufacturer for the exact column design in a specific model you are considering.
Summary
Energy-absorbing collapsible steering columns are a cornerstone of modern automotive safety, and they are present in the vast majority of new passenger cars in major markets. While not absolutely universal in every corner of the world or every niche vehicle, the standard practice is to design steering columns to collapse and absorb energy in a crash to protect drivers and align with airbag deployment. Checking official model documentation can confirm the exact configuration for a given car.
When did collapsible steering column become mandatory?
Collapsible steering columns became mandatory in the United States for all passenger cars manufactured on or after January 1, 1968. This requirement was part of the first Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) introduced in 1968, which also mandated features like side marker lights and front-seat shoulder belts.
- Purpose: The goal was to prevent the steering wheel and shaft from being forced toward the driver in a collision, which posed a severe risk of impalement.
- How it works: Collapsible columns are designed to absorb energy by crumpling or telescoping in a controlled manner during an impact.
- Historical context: While some manufacturers, like General Motors, had introduced collapsible steering columns in 1967, the 1968 date marks the point when the feature was mandated by law for all new passenger cars in the US.
What cars have power assisted steering?
Virtually all modern cars have power steering, and it is a standard feature on the vast majority of new vehicles, including popular models like the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and Ford F-150. While most new cars use electronic power steering (EPS), some heavy-duty vehicles and older performance models may still have hydraulic power steering systems.
Examples of cars with power steering:
- Modern cars: Most new vehicles on the market, such as the Hyundai Creta, Toyota Urban Cruiser HyRyder, and Maruti FRONX, come equipped with power steering as a standard feature.
- Electric power steering (EPS): Many modern cars have adopted EPS, which replaces the traditional hydraulic pump with an electric motor. Examples include the Nissan Leaf, Kia Soul, and Smart ForTwo.
- Hydraulic power steering: This system is still common in some trucks and performance vehicles, as it is often favored for its performance under heavy loads or in demanding conditions. Examples include the Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, and some versions of the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
- Hybrid and older models: The Toyota Prius is another example of a vehicle that can have EPS, and older models like the Maruti Suzuki Alto have also been equipped with it.
Why power steering is common:
- Ease of use: Power steering makes it easier for drivers to maneuver the steering wheel, particularly at low speeds, making the driving experience more comfortable and less strenuous.
- Enabling other features: Power steering is crucial for many modern vehicle features like advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), such as automatic parking and lane-keeping assist.
- Safety: In the event of a power steering failure, the steering wheel can become very stiff and difficult to turn, which could be a safety hazard. This is why it is a standard feature in nearly all modern vehicles.
Why are there collapsible steering columns?
Frontal Impacts
A collapsible steering column protects the driver and passengers in frontal collisions. The steering column swings forward during impact, reducing the airbag effect on the driver and passengers.
Do all cars have an energy absorbing collapsible steering column?
Collapsible steering columns have been mandatory in the United States since the late 1960's. These columns were designed to give way and shorten in the event of a collision.
