What is the Significance of BHP in Automobiles?

Posted on: Dec 18, 2023 | | Written by:

What is the Significance of BHP in Automobiles?

Publication date: December 18, 2023. EST READ TIME: 3 MIN

When you buy a car, you need to understand all the essential features and amenities it offers. This will help you to make the best selection of vehicles. An important feature to consider is the BHP. But what is BHP? Let’s find out in the article below.

What is BHP?

BHP stands for Brake HorsePower. It refers to the car engine’s power output. It is the raw power generation that happens prior to any loss of power due to the auxiliary components such as the gearbox or transmission. It is used to assess the performance capacity of a vehicle and therefore is a very crucial component. The premium you pay for your for comprehensive insurance policy also depends on this.

The Difference Between BHP and HP

While BHP stands for Brake Horse Power, HP stands for HorsePower. The major difference is that the BHP is measured before the transmission and other losses. It is the absolute raw power of the engine. However, the HP is measured at the tyres, after factoring in all the transmission losses.

Though both BHP and HP measure the power of the engine, the methodology and results are different. You should not get confused between the two.

How is BHP Measured?

The BHP measurement is done through a device called the dynamometer. At the time of testing, the dynamometer is connected to the engine of the vehicle and it is revved up, thereby providing accurate results.

Importance of BHP in Automobiles

The BHP is a very important component of any vehicle. It is the metric through which the vehicle’s power is assessed. This is then used to understand how fast the car can accelerate, how smoothly it can climb hilly roads, whether it is capable of towing or pulling another vehicle, etc. Once you know the BHP of a vehicle, you can put it to better and more effective use.

How does BHP affect car insurance?

The BHP of a car has a direct bearing on the car insurance premium. A vehicle that has a higher BHP is often heavier and more expensive. It requires expensive repairs too. Keeping this in mind, the insurance provider hikes the premium rates to cover the risks associated with insuring the vehicle. A vehicle with a lower BHP is less expensive to cover.

Conclusion

The BHP of a vehicle is an important marker of its power and performance. Ensure you check the BHP carefully when buying a vehicle to find the most suitable one for yourself.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

Car Insurance Details by Registration Number

How to Claim Insurance for Car Dent?

Everything You Need to Know About the Initiative Bharat NCAP

How to Download Car Insurance Policy Copy Online?