Examining Common Airbag Myths and Facts
Next, to the seatbelt, airbags are the most important safety feature found inside your vehicle. Airbags prevent a countless number of deaths each year. Unfortunately, there are a lot of speculation surrounding airbags. Discover more about how your car’s airbags work to help reduce bodily harm during a car collision by reading these airbag myths and facts.
Myth: You Must Wear a Seatbelt for the Airbag to Function
Though you should always wear a seatbelt to give yourself the best protection in the event of a collision, airbags will work even if your seatbelt isn’t connected. Airbag sensors sense sudden deceleration and impact before telling the airbags to deploy.
Fact: The Airbag Light Lets You Know when the Airbag Isn’t Working
Pay close attention to the airbag light on your car’s instrument panel. Your car is equipped with an airbag sensor that continually monitors the airbag system while the vehicle is running. If the airbag light on your dashboard flashes after you start your car, or if you don’t see the light come on at all, you should visit a car repair shop as soon as possible to make sure your airbag system is in good working condition.
Myth: Side Airbags Are Mandatory on Today’s Cars
There are a number of types of airbags that you can get on a new car, including side airbags, curtain airbags, and knee airbags. However, these safety features are not yet required by U.S. law. So before you purchase a new or used car, make sure that it comes with functioning airbags by bringing it to a body shop for an inspection.
Fact: The Dust That Comes Out of an Airbag Is Not Toxic
After the airbags are deployed, your car will probably be filled with smoke. Though irritating, this smoke isn’t toxic; it’s just a mixture of corn-based powder and harmless nitrogen gas that is designed to help the airbag to deploy rapidly.
If you find yourself needing an expert car repair shop for service or collision repair in the San Jose area, come to Michael J’s Body Shop. If you have any questions about your airbags or collision repair in general, call us at 408-279-2070.