8 Things You Need to Know About Your Airbags
October 29, 2021
Airbags | Auto Repair
There’s a lot more to know about your airbags than the fact that they’re a lifesaving accessory in your motor. Actually, there are 8 facts you should know!
From exactly how they work and the legal requirements in the State of Texas all the way to knowing what that smoky smell is and how to go about auto repair after your air bags have deployed.
Here at the Dealership Autoplex Collision Center, it’s one of the most common topics we get questions about after a bump in the road or even a major accident has sent the big white bags flying out of their compartment. So, we’ve gathered 8 core facts you need to know to keep your car safe, your passengers safe and you safe.
1. Airbags Are Very Painful When They Deploy
Not only can airbags be painful, but they are also a big surprise and can cause damage to your eardrum. But, while they may be painful, they’re designed to save lives. Airbags are made with small explosive devices to help them go off exactly when they need to - and fast. So, expect it to feel like a strong kick in the face by someone wearing an incredibly cushioned slipper.
2. Airbags Must Be Reinstalled by Certified Motor Technicians
When an airbag is deployed, you can’t manually deflate the bag and push it back into the compartment it came from before heading back out onto the highway. In fact, small holes in the bag allow them to decompress at a safe rate. Then, certified technicians are needed to deactivate battery terminals and reprogram the control module to ensure safe re-deployment.
3. Airbags May Emit a Smoky Smell Without a Flame
Because airbags have small explosives in them that allow them to protect with a bang, they will often emit a smoky smell and can seem like there’s a fire. However, it’s important to know that airbags don’t catch on fire without other areas of the car being on fire, first. So, in the event of a collision, make sure freeing yourself won’t cause further damage if your car isn’t on fire.
4. Airbags That Don’t Meet Federal Safety Regulations Are Illegal
Airbags that don’t meet the technical requirements of the Federal safety regulation are referred to as “counterfeit” airbags. The Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 makes safe front and side airbags mandatory for all cars and light trucks sold in the US. So, take your vehicle to your local auto repair shop to find out if your car is fitted with counterfeit airbags.
5. Airbags Are Triggered by Accelerometers
Safe, inspected and certified-approved airbags are not actually triggered by impact, despite the common misconception. This is because deploying upon impact would be too late. So, the airbag control module uses an accelerometer to detect braking at speeds considered above normal to predict the event of collision. At this point, it deploys preventatively!
6. Airbags on the Drivers-Side Deploy After 20–30 Milliseconds
The frontal and side airbags for the driver are always the first to deploy as there are car accessories a lot closer to the driver that can cause damage. For example, the steering wheel. So, the driver-side airbags deploy after 20-30 milliseconds; for context, it takes 100 milliseconds to blink! For the passenger airbags, these will deploy in 30-40 milliseconds.
7. Airbags Are Commonly Frontal and Side-Located
Every vehicle sold in the US must have at least the frontal and side airbags for the driver typically featured beside the headrest and in the steering wheel. That said, there are many other types of airbags out there, especially when the technology is continuously improving to help prevent serious or fatal injury. So, some of the other less-common airbag types and locations are:
● Inflatable Seat Belts
● Far-Side Airbags
● Sunroof Airbags
● Seated Cushion Airbags
● Rear Seat Airbags
● Flexible Seating Systems
● External Side Airbags
● External Hood Airbags
8. Airbags May be Deactivated for Special Circumstances
While it is not advised, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will consider special circumstances allowing for an airbag to be deactivated by the installation of a specific ON/OFF switch. For example, for those with medical conditions or if a rear-facing child seat needed to be placed in the front passenger seat, the airbag would need to be switched off.
And that concludes the 8 facts you must be aware of about your airbags. Whether they’re for your car or a loved one’s; your airbag knowledge may be able to save lives. If you’d like to have your airbags safety-checked, installed or re-installed during post-collision auto repair, it’s important you go to trusted auto body shops with ASE-certified technicians.
Here at the Dealership Autoplex Collision Center, we have just that. Our team is highly qualified to ensure your airbags maintain Federal safety standard while keeping you and your passengers safe in the event of a collision at Texan speeds.
So, contact the team today on (972) 242-0092 or view the website to learn more about our full range of services and opening times. Alternatively, you always have the option to holla the team directly in the shop here in Carrollton, TX.
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