Car airbags come as a standard safety feature in most cars. Together with seatbelts, airbags have saved thousands of lives across the world. However, they are only meant for one-time use and need to be replaced even if deployed accidentally. There can be other issues that may render an airbag useless or dysfunctional. Testing the airbags of a car you are about to buy is a good way to ensure that they are new and functional.
In the following guide, we will discuss all you need to know about the airbag test.
Methods For Testing the Airbags of a Car
Below are some methods that can help you identify if your vehicle has airbags and if they are working in order.
Check the Airbag Indicator Light
You can check the airbag indicator light on the dashboard to check if the airbags are working in order. To check it;
- Turn the ignition key to the pre-ignition stage and pause there. This is the indicator light test position.
- Now, you should see all the indicator lights turned on, along with the airbag light.
If the airbags are fine, the light should go off within a few seconds after starting the vehicle. However, when that same light stays on or flashes, that could mean there is a problem with the airbag system. It is advisable to take your car to a workshop to get a professional opinion on the matter.
Ask the Seller for Information
Ask for detailed information about the vehicle you are interested in, specifically accident data. Unless the vehicle has suffered some major damage to the sides or rear, the airbags are likely still intact.
You might be surprised to know that racing cars do not have airbags due to their paramount safety features.
Check if the Car’s Dashboard Seems Oddly New
Airbags are designed to deploy once and need to be replaced with new ones after every deployment. Therefore, if you are buying a used car and its dashboard appears more furnished, there is a chance that it has deployed airbags. To check airbag deployment, look out for its indicators because both passenger and driver side airbags will be deployed. However, the passenger side airbags are placed inside the dashboard and the process needs the replacement of the dashboard.
Check the Airbag Cover
While testing the airbags of a car, you might also notice that the Safety Restraint System (SRS) logo on the dashboard is missing. It generally means that the dashboard has a cosmetic cover and the airbag was not replaced after a deployment. These aftermarket covers often do not have the manufacturer’s emblem and the SRS logo. Therefore, when you are buying a second-hand car, make sure you inspect the dashboard for such signs of repair on it.
Have an Airbag Deployment Check
However, if you want to make sure that the airbags in your vehicle are working fine, then you can take the vehicle to a trusted service centre and have a vehicle inspection. The inspection services usually include airbag tests to check if the airbags have been deployed before.
Several cars are equipped with a series of sensors that can recognise the collision in literally milliseconds and deploy multiple airbags almost instantly. Those interested in buying a used car in Dubai with airbags and modern car safety features can consider the following cars available on dubizzle:
- Used Toyota Camry for sale in Dubai
- Buy second hand Mazda 3 in Dubai
- Used Honda Civic in Dubai
- Second hand Chevrolet Malibu for sale in Dubai
FAQs
How to test if my car’s airbags are working fine?
One way of testing the airbags of a car is by checking all the indicator lights by turning on the ignition to the start position. Normally, the airbags are working fine if the airbag indicator light comes on momentarily and goes out. A keen eye must be kept on the precautions on airbag functioning while testing car’s airbags.
How do I know if my airbag has been replaced?
If you buy a used car and its dashboard appears more furnished than the rest of the vehicle, then there is a chance that the airbags have been replaced. You can also check the SRS logo since cosmetic airbag covers do not have the emblem or the SRS logo.
Can an airbag be reused?
Unfortunately, airbags can’t be reused once they have been deployed in an accident.
This concludes our guide about testing the airbags of a car. Always make sure that you are wearing a seatbelt to be more safe and secure while driving. Also, make sure you follow a complete checklist when buying a used car in the UAE.
To find more about the country’s automotive industry, stay tuned to the UAE’s top auto blog.
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