Pedestrian Protection - Chevrolet Captiva Manual

Pedestrian Protection

Absorbing material in the front bumper and struc-
tural design of the front facia and hood minimise
pedestrian injury in case of a collision.
For example, the retaining brackets of the head-
lamps are flexible and absorb a high amount of
energy. The hood incorporates crumple zones that
deform and absorb energy when the pedestrian
hits the vehicle.
This has been tested using weights and forms rep-
resenting the pedestrian.
Use of new materials
The requirement for reduced body weight has lead
to a reduction in the amount of steel used, e.g.
through the use of thinner sheet steels.
This has been achieved with high strength sheet
steels, in spite of the need to meet higher body
strength requirements at the same time.
High strength steels have a tensile strength and
yield strength as much as 30% higher than con-
ventional steel. These properties must not be
destroyed when carrying out repairs, e.g. by using
excessive heat.
The zinc plated steel plate used in some panels of
the vehicle requires different repair techniques
than ordinary steel plate.
Take the following precautions when repairing zinc
plated steel:
Before spot welding the zinc plated steel plate,
●
remove the paint from both sides of the flange
to be welded. Apply sealer to the flange after
welding.
Body
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The electric continuity properties of zinc plated
●
steel plate are different from ordinary steel
plate. When spot welding, increase the current
by 10-20% or increase the resistance welding
time. Also increase the number of weld spots by
10-20%.
The MIG welding procedures for zinc
Note
plated steel plate are the same as for
ordinary steel plate.
Before applying putty or body filler to the zinc
●
plated steel plate, sand the zinc plating
thoroughly to promote adhesion and prevent
blistering.
Use only epoxy-based puttees and fillers
Note
on zinc plated steel plate.
TRAINING
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