Stötfänster

Stötfänster, often translated as "bumper" in English, are a crucial component of automotive safety. Their primary function is to absorb impact energy during low-speed collisions, thereby protecting the more expensive and structurally important parts of the vehicle, such as the engine, lights, and body panels. Modern stötfänster are designed to deform in a controlled manner, dissipating kinetic energy through crumpling or absorption mechanisms.

Historically, stötfänster were simple metal bars bolted to the chassis. However, advancements in automotive engineering and safety regulations have led to the development of more sophisticated designs. Today's stötfänster are typically made from a combination of materials, including plastic composites, polyurethane, and energy-absorbing foam, often integrated with metal or plastic reinforcement beams. These materials allow for greater flexibility in design, contributing to vehicle aerodynamics and aesthetics, while still fulfilling their protective role.

The design and performance of stötfänster are subject to stringent safety standards in most countries. These regulations specify minimum impact speeds at which the stötfänster must remain intact or absorb a certain amount of energy without causing damage to essential vehicle components. This ensures that even minor fender-benders do not result in costly repairs or compromise the vehicle's overall safety integrity. They are an integral part of a vehicle's passive safety system, working in conjunction with airbags and seatbelts to minimize injury to occupants.