Engine drop out feature in cars elevates safety standards

SHAH ALAM - The engine drop out feature in cars plays a crucial role in enhancing safety during collisions by facilitating the controlled movement of the engine beneath the vehicle.

In the realm of automotive safety, the engine drop out feature emerged as a critical advancement, significantly enhancing safety during collisions.

Automotive expert Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) School of Civil Engineering Associate Professor Dr Nur Sabahiah Abdul Sukor said the purpose of the design was not to drop the engine but rather to allow it to slide beneath the passenger cell in the event of a frontal collision.

"This design prevents the engine from intruding into the passenger area and potentially causing injury to the driver and front passenger's legs.

"For example, in a frontal collision, the front part of the car may deform, effectively absorbing the forces of impact and redirecting them away from the people inside the car.

"When the engine mounting points are released, the engine may move downwards or backward, guided by specifically designed channels or structures.

"This enables the engine to move underneath the passenger compartment, establishing a safeguarded area for the individuals inside," she said when contacted.

Sabahiah also said the design aimed to improve occupants' safety by incorporating an engine dropout feature, which would reduce the likelihood of severe leg injuries resulting from engine intrusion into the passenger compartment in the event of a frontal collision.

She said it was crucial to acknowledge that maintenance or servicing needs may vary among different car models and manufacturers.

However, it was recommended to remain updated on the most recent technologies, such as the engine dropout system, when contemplating the purchase of a new car, she added.

Echoing Sabahiah’s views, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Engineering Faculty Head of Road Safety Research Centre Law Teik Hua said the engine drop out feature in cars was designed to enhance safety during collisions.

"It allows the engine to drop beneath the vehicle, reducing the risk of intrusion into the passenger compartment and minimising the potential injury to occupants.

"In real-life scenarios and crash tests, the effectiveness of the engine dropout feature has been demonstrated by showing reduced cabin intrusion and improved occupant protection in frontal collisions," he said.

Law also highlighted that maintenance and servicing requirements for the engine drop out system may vary depending on the vehicle manufacturer.

"Car owners should consult their vehicle's manual for specific instructions, but generally, regular inspections and maintenance of the suspension and engine mounts may be recommended to ensure proper functioning of the dropout system," he added.

The car engine drop out feature was getting a buzz on social media recently.

A social media user on the X platform @localrkyt posted a video of a car from a Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer with a caption saying that he just came to know about such feature.

"I just knew that there is such a safety feature in a car in the event of an accident where the engine would drop from the car's body (during collision). Mazda's car sale would go up after this," he wrote.

To this, another X user @CTOkau replied that a local car brand has already implemented such method, but people were unaware about it as they were focusing on other international car brands instead.

"Proton Preve had implemented this mehod. But as usual, people do not care much about local brands and were more proud with international brands," he wrote.