How to be sure your airbag is always working
Airbags are crucial safety components designed to protect us in the event of an accident. They act as an inflatable cushion intended to lessen potential impact during a collision. However, airbags are most effective when used correctly. To ensure that your airbag always functions properly, we would like to provide you with some tips on how you can check this at all times by yourself.
Check the presence of the airbag
Airbags are standard equipment in modern cars. However, it may be useful to know how to confirm whether the car is equipped with an airbag. The primary sign of the presence of an airbag is a sticker or icon on the steering wheel with the airbag symbol and the text ‘AIRBAG’. The same symbol can also be found on the dashboard on the passenger side, indicating that there is a passenger airbag present.
Inspect the functionality of the airbag
As with every part of your car, it is essential to ensure that the airbags are functioning correctly. You can easily check the airbag system yourself. When you turn on the car’s ignition, the airbag warning signal – usually a light on the dashboard – should illuminate and go off after 5 to 10 seconds. If the warning signal does not light up at all, or stays on for longer, it may indicate that there’s something wrong with the airbag system. In that case, we recommend contacting us as soon as possible. Besides being suppliers of airbag parts, we are also experts in resolving airbag malfunctions.
What can you do to ensure the airbag works well?
The proper functioning of the airbag largely depends on the driver. It’s important to always ensure that you don’t do anything to hinder the operation of the airbag. To guarantee a safe and optimal functioning of the airbag, it is advisable to:
Hold the steering wheel preferably by the outer rim. This ensures that the airbag, if activated, can unfold freely and without hindrance. Always keep the space between the driver and the airbag clear. This means that no animals, objects, or even parts of your body should rest on your lap. Anything between you and the airbag can reduce its efficiency or even cause injury in an accident. Do not stick anything on the airbag cover. This can disrupt the ability of the airbag to unfold correctly. Maintenance of the airbag
Just like any other part of your car, the airbag also needs periodic maintenance. It’s vital to stay informed about the condition of your airbag system. According to general guidelines, the main components of the airbag and seatbelt tensioner system should be replaced at the latest after 15 years. The electronic control unit, another crucial part of the system, should be replaced after 10 years.
Do you have any questions?
Airbags are a complex, but crucial part of your car’s safety equipment. If you have questions about the airbags in your car or if you want to have an airbag replaced, we recommend contacting us. We have years of experience with car airbags and are ready to assist. Our team at Airbagbank.eu can advise you on the best options for your vehicle and help in choosing the right airbags.
