Airbags: An FAQ
December 10, 2022
Airbags, Airbag deployment
Airbags can be the difference between a broken nose and not seeing tomorrow. It‘s serious but true. So, we’re answering airbag questions for you to stay safe.
Airbags are specially designed deployment systems around your car to help you in the event of a crash. On impact, your airbags should trigger and fill with air in just enough time to prevent you from hitting your head and causing some serious damage.
Here at Dealership Autoplex Collision Center, our ASE-certified technicians are answering some of the common questions we see around the web to do with airbag deployment here in Texas. So, if you’re interested, read on…
Yes and no. It depends on when your vehicle was built. In 1999, a regulation was passed mandating that all vehicles must be manufactured with functioning airbags. However, there is no law about driving a car built before 1999 being illegal.
Texas takes on all-state law when it comes to the use of airbags. All cars produced after 1999 must be equipped with frontal airbags. Meaning you should have an airbag in your steering wheel and in front of your front-seat passenger.
It’s worth knowing that an airbag’s trigger needs a source of power. So, if your key is in the ignition but the ignition is not turned on, the airbags won’t deploy. But as long as the ignition is on, your engine doesn’t have to be running for airbag deployment.
If the question is about the legalities of driving with an airbag deployed, it’s yes. If the question is about safety, the answer is no unless you’re driving to your auto shop to have them replaced because you won’t be protected in the event of another crash.
Yes. Whether it’s the airbag lights, the engine lights or the anti-lock braking lights, you cannot have any lights showing on your dash if you want to pass your Texas vehicle inspection. It may mean it won’t trigger airbag deployment when impacted.
While most dash lights can be turned off with a scanner, it’s not the case with the airbags. If this light comes on, it can mean there's an issue with the trigger and your airbags need to be professionally examined before being manually switched off.
The average cost for one airbag in Texas is $600. However, then there’s the cost of installation by certified technicians. So, you could be looking at a total of around $1500 for the full installation of your main airbag but the costs can vary for the other types.
While frontal airbags are mandatory in Texas with all cars manufactured after 1999, there are four other safety airbags that are recommended but aren’t regulatory. These are knee airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags and inflatable seat belts.
If you’ve been in an accident and you’ve had airbag deployment, you should call into our shop in Carrollton, TX, right away. Our ASE-certified team of technicians will work with your vehicle to replace your airbags and sensors in no time. Alternatively, if you wanted to learn more about our team, our services and how we can help you maintain a safe, smooth and customized ride, contact us today at (972) 242-0092. We also list our services and FAQs on our website for you to learn more.
Airbags are specially designed deployment systems around your car to help you in the event of a crash. On impact, your airbags should trigger and fill with air in just enough time to prevent you from hitting your head and causing some serious damage.
Here at Dealership Autoplex Collision Center, our ASE-certified technicians are answering some of the common questions we see around the web to do with airbag deployment here in Texas. So, if you’re interested, read on…
- Is It Illegal to Drive Without Airbags in Texas?
Yes and no. It depends on when your vehicle was built. In 1999, a regulation was passed mandating that all vehicles must be manufactured with functioning airbags. However, there is no law about driving a car built before 1999 being illegal.
- Which Airbags Are Required in Texas?
Texas takes on all-state law when it comes to the use of airbags. All cars produced after 1999 must be equipped with frontal airbags. Meaning you should have an airbag in your steering wheel and in front of your front-seat passenger.
- Does a Car Have to Be Running for Airbag Deployment?
It’s worth knowing that an airbag’s trigger needs a source of power. So, if your key is in the ignition but the ignition is not turned on, the airbags won’t deploy. But as long as the ignition is on, your engine doesn’t have to be running for airbag deployment.
- Can You Drive With Deployed Airbags?
If the question is about the legalities of driving with an airbag deployed, it’s yes. If the question is about safety, the answer is no unless you’re driving to your auto shop to have them replaced because you won’t be protected in the event of another crash.
- Will I Fail a Texas State Inspection With the Airbag Light on?
Yes. Whether it’s the airbag lights, the engine lights or the anti-lock braking lights, you cannot have any lights showing on your dash if you want to pass your Texas vehicle inspection. It may mean it won’t trigger airbag deployment when impacted.
- How Can I Turn the Light for My Airbags Off?
While most dash lights can be turned off with a scanner, it’s not the case with the airbags. If this light comes on, it can mean there's an issue with the trigger and your airbags need to be professionally examined before being manually switched off.
- How Much Does it Cost for Airbags to be Installed?
The average cost for one airbag in Texas is $600. However, then there’s the cost of installation by certified technicians. So, you could be looking at a total of around $1500 for the full installation of your main airbag but the costs can vary for the other types.
- What types of airbags are recommended?
While frontal airbags are mandatory in Texas with all cars manufactured after 1999, there are four other safety airbags that are recommended but aren’t regulatory. These are knee airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags and inflatable seat belts.
If you’ve been in an accident and you’ve had airbag deployment, you should call into our shop in Carrollton, TX, right away. Our ASE-certified team of technicians will work with your vehicle to replace your airbags and sensors in no time. Alternatively, if you wanted to learn more about our team, our services and how we can help you maintain a safe, smooth and customized ride, contact us today at (972) 242-0092. We also list our services and FAQs on our website for you to learn more.
After an accident, the damage you can see isn’t always the only damage your vehicle sustained. A damaged bumper, dented quarter panel, or broken headlight may be obvious, but the impact can also affect structural components underneath the vehicle’s exterior. At Dealership Autoplex Collision Center (DACC) , we believe a proper collision repair is about more than making a vehicle look good again. It’s about identifying and addressing the damage that may be hidden underneath. What Is Structural Damage? Modern vehicles are designed with structural components that help support the vehicle and manage crash forces. Depending on the location and severity of an impact, a collision can potentially affect areas such as: Frame or unibody components Structural rails Suspension mounting points Body alignment Doors and panels Wheel alignment Bumpers and reinforcement components Even an accident that doesn’t appear severe from the outside can sometimes cause damage behind exterior panels.
After a car accident, there are a lot of decisions to make. Between filing an insurance claim, arranging transportation, and getting your vehicle repaired, the process can quickly become overwhelming. One common question we hear at Dealership Autoplex Collision Center (DACC) is: “Do I have to use the collision repair shop my insurance company recommends?” In Texas, you generally have the right to choose the repair facility you want to handle your vehicle. Your Insurance Company May Recommend a Shop After you file a claim, your insurance company may provide a list of repair facilities or recommend one of its preferred shops. While these recommendations can be convenient, you are not necessarily required to choose a shop simply because it was suggested by the insurance company. Your vehicle is an important investment, and you should feel comfortable with the facility performing the repairs. What Should You Look for in a Collision Repair Shop? When choosing a collision center, consider more than just how quickly the shop can get your vehicle in. Look for a facility that provides: Experienced collision repair technicians Proper structural and body repairs Professional paint matching and refinishing Clear communication throughout the repair process Assistance working with insurance companies Quality-control inspections before the vehicle is returned Help coordinating rental transportation when needed A quality collision repair should restore more than the appearance of your vehicle. The goal is to properly repair the damage and return the vehicle to you safely and professionally.
Today’s vehicles are equipped with more technology than ever before. Cameras, radar sensors, parking sensors, lane-assist systems, and automatic emergency braking can all be affected by a collision—even when the damage appears minor. That’s why modern collision repair involves much more than repairing dents and replacing damaged parts. What Is ADAS? ADAS stands for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. Depending on your vehicle, these systems may include: Forward collision warning Automatic emergency braking Lane departure warning Lane-keeping assistance Adaptive cruise control Blind-spot monitoring Parking assistance Surround-view or backup cameras Many of these features rely on cameras and sensors positioned throughout the vehicle.
