Airbags are an essential safety feature in vehicles as they protect occupants from suffering injuries in the event of an accident. But how do airbags work?
While most vehicle owners understand the role of airbags, very few of them know how they work.
At Chloe’s Auto Repair, we will explain how airbags work in this article to help you understand how these safety features work to protect vehicle occupants in the event of an accident.
Here’s how airbags work.
When a vehicle hits something, it decelerates abruptly, thereby triggering a sensor that flips a switch that passes an electric current through a heating element. The heating element ignites a chemical mix of sodium azide and potassium nitrate to create nitrogen gas that inflates a thin nylon bag packed behind the steering wheel. The chemical explosive generates a massive amount of harmless gas that fills the nylon bag, expanding it to act as a cushion. The entire process takes about 20-30 milliseconds to occur.
Due to the impact, the head and torso come into contact with the airbag, and this force causes the gas inside the airbag to escape through small holes around its edges, thereby deflating it. This allows the driver to get out of the car. After an accident, you may notice a chalky substance on the deflated airbag. This is talcum powder that keeps the airbag pliable while it is tucked away behind the steering wheel.
Reach Out to Chloe’s Auto Repair for All of Your Auto Repair Needs
If you’re looking for a premier auto repair shop to help you with airbag replacement, tire change, oil change, engine repair, or any other auto repair needs, get in touch with Chloe’s Auto Repair.
Chloe’s Auto Repair is a full-service auto repair shop that provides a wide array of reliable and affordable auto repair services. Some of our services include ignition system diagnostic repair, fuel injection service, alternator battery electrical repair, radiator repair, and more.
You can click here for more information on the auto repair services that we offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Replace Airbags Myself?
No, you cannot replace airbags in your car by yourself if you are not an experienced auto repair specialist. Airbags are quite technical to replace, meaning the job should be done by a knowledgeable and experienced mechanic. If you try to install them yourself, you could make mistakes that could render them dysfunctional. Chloe’s Auto Repair recommends taking your car to a top-rated auto repair shop for airbag replacement instead of doing it yourself.
Can Airbags Be Replaced After an Accident?
Yes, airbags can be replaced after they’re deployed. Just look for a reputable mechanic and let them help you replace your airbags.
Can I Drive a Car Without Airbags?
A car can work normally without working airbags, but it is dangerous to drive a car without airbags because your body will not be protected from the impact in case of a car accident.
How Much Is It to Install Airbags in A Car?
Typically, airbag replacement costs around $1,000 to $3,000, but some cases can be much more expensive, depending on the parts being replaced, and number of airbags being deployed.
