VW/Audi/Skoda dangerous headrests

Nov 03, 2003 3 Replies

I read recently that in the event of a collision, the head rests on certain VW/Audi/Skoda cars can collapse downwards, thus leaving the passengers head with no protection from being thrown violently backwards. I checked my Skoda Octavia (VW-based) and found that although there are notch positions for the headrests, the rests can be pushed downwards with almost no effort at all, confirming what I had read.



Fortunately I have been able to overcome this fairly easily. Firstly I set the headrests the the best position (midway up the back of the passenger's head). Then I measured the gap between the bottom of the headrest and the top of the seat. I had some chromium plated tubing, and cut this to make pieces to fit the gap (only one per seat is needed). I lifted the headrests and slipped the tubing into position. It is now impossible to press the headrests downwards.



I think I have solved the problem, but if anyone thinks that this is not really the answer, please let me know.



John


The rests on the Polo I had were a nightmare to get off or on as they were a really tight fit as you'd expect so I can't say I'd worried about it on any of the VW's I had. :-)

The only Skoda I have driven I was more concerned with the carbon monoxide poisoning it was giving me from a faulty exhaust. ;-)

Mark S.

Ah the neat solution. I'd have used a jubilee clip

-- Malc

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