Audi glossary

A force limiter in the safety belt system on current Audi models reduces the force applied by the safety belt on the occupant. Above a predetermined belt load, a torsion bar in the retractor deforms or a special seam in the belt webbing tears open. The system pays out belt webbing at this predefined belt load. The maximum shoulder belt load is reduced so that the occupant will be more gently restrained by the belt and airbag and the loadings on the head and chest will also be reduced.