Bumper and Airbag Impact resistance?

GUNNERGARIDEL

MEMBER
2002 GMC SIERRA
6.0L
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
323,000 MILES

Greetings:

I am having a discussion with a friend about my truck listed above, and the following questions:

1. What is the impact resistance of the front bumper? In other words, up to what speed is the front bumper designed to resist damage? E.G. 5mph, 10mph, 15mph?

2. At what speed would the airbag deploy in a collision?

Dudley Garidel
Baton Rouge, Louisiana

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,747 POSTS

Hi,

As far as the airbag being deployed, that isn't based entirely on speed. Instead, it has a lot to do with where the vehicle is hit. I will say in most cases the vehicle would be above 30 MPH. However, that can change based on the point of impact.

The bumper is different. There is no federal bumper impact standard for trucks, vans, and SUV vehicles. Cars, on the other hand, must pass a 5 MPH impact test. Keep in mind, the bumper on a Sierra should easily pass the 5 MPH impact standard. However, since trucks do not need to meet federal impact standards, there is likely no reliable information. I'm sure someone at GM could answer the question, but it really isn't common knowledge.

I wish I could provide more specific info, but that is what is available.

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

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Tuesday, December 20th, 2022 AT 6:29 PM

GUNNERGARIDEL

MEMBER
22 POSTS

Thank you very much, Joe. You answered my question enough for me to know I was in the ballpark when discussing the truck with my friend.

Dudley Garidel
Baton Rouge, LA

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Tuesday, December 20th, 2022 AT 9:09 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,747 POSTS

Hi,

You are very welcome. I'm glad it helped.

Feel free to come back anytime in the future. You are always welcome. And, BTW, I envy you. I wish I was in Baton Rouge. LOL In PA, we are expecting 0-degree temperatures over the weekend. LOL

Regardless, take care and I wish you and your family a great Christmas.

Joe

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Wednesday, December 21st, 2022 AT 6:36 PM

GUNNERGARIDEL

MEMBER
22 POSTS

Joe, believe it or not, we get cold weather here also, just not as often or as bad. For example, the next four nights our low temperatures will be: 20, 20, 23, 23.

Fortunately, because we are in the South, the temperatures do moderate more quickly.

BTW, I go to the Lancaster area a couple times a year for conventions.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Dudley

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Thursday, December 22nd, 2022 AT 5:51 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS