Importance of Car Airbags in Vehicle Safety Systems

Airbags are devices which work by activating almost instantly and help reduce the impact. Airbags are used in cars to keep you secure as they help in absorbing the blow, and seat belts keep you securely in place. They together form a very powerful safety system and reduce the risk of severe injuries, and keeps you safe. That’s why airbags are such an important feature in modern vehicles.

What Are Car Airbags?

Car airbags are specially designed safety devices that expand instantly and are built to protect you during a crash. Airbags use built-in sensors so that the system detects harm around and fills the airbags with gas within seconds to minimise the harm. Though car airbags are built for safety reasons, they are not meant to replace seat belts; instead, they work as a team to keep you safe and secure. If you don’t wear a seat belt, an airbag can cause more harm due to the force of deployment.

How Do Car Airbags Work?

Here are the steps on how airbags operate:

• Crash occurs

As soon as the crash is about to happen, the airbag system detects a strong impact instantly.

• Sensors respond

After detecting it, they send a signal to the airbag module.

• Airbag expands

A small explosive charge produces gas that expands the airbag in a second.

• Cushioning effect

The airbag system forms a protective shield between you and the hard surfaces of the car.

• Airbag deflates

Once it reduces the impact of harm, it releases air to let you function freely.

Types of Car Airbags

Modern vehicles are equipped with different types of airbags, each serving a specific purpose depending on the kind of impact:

1. Front Airbags

Front Airbags work as follows:

• Located in the steering wheel and dashboard.
• Protect the driver and front passenger during frontal collisions.

2. Side Airbags

Side Airbags work as follows:

• Installed on the side of the seat or door panels.
• Protect the chest and pelvis during side impacts.

3. Side Curtain Airbags

Side Curtain Airbags work as follows:

• Drop from the roof lining above the windows.
• Shield the head inside crashes and help prevent ejection during rollovers.

4. Knee Airbags

Knee Airbags work as follows:

• Positioned under the dashboard.
• Protect knees and legs from hitting hard surfaces.

5. Rear Airbags

Rear Airbags work as follows:

• Found in some luxury models.
• Offer protection to backseat passengers in front or side collisions.

6. Centre Airbags

Centre Airbags work as follows:

• Inflate between the driver and the front passenger.
• Reduce the risk of head-to-head contact during a side crash.

Buy Car Insurance Online Starting @ ₹2094*

Check Prices

Why Airbags Are So Important?

Airbags are one of the most effective tools in reducing injury during a car accident. Here’s why they matter:

• Protect critical areas

Airbags protect you from getting smashed your body parts against the hard surfaces of the car, especially critical parts such as the head, chest, and face

• Lower injury severity

Airbags smartly detect the crash energy and protect the driver and passenger from getting banged.

• Rapid response

They activate instantly within milliseconds, saving you from harm.

• Save lives

Thanks to airbags that they have saved thousands of lives from getting injured.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Car Airbags

Airbags are well-known for their safety measures, but they also come with some pros and cons, in addition to their safety benefits.

Advantages of Car Airbags

The advantages of Car Airbags are as follows:

• Prevent direct hits to the dashboard, steering wheel, and windows.

• Minimise severe injuries by spreading out impact forces.

• Deploy extremely fast in case of a crash.

• Work hand-in-hand with seat belts for full protection.

• Have helped save countless lives over the years.

Disadvantages of Car Airbags

The disadvantages of Car Airbags are as follows:

• Sitting too close can cause injuries from deployment.

• Unsafe for small kids in the front seat.

• Expensive to replace after deployment.

• Less effective without seat belts.

• It can lead to some harm due to its force.

Car Airbags & Passenger Safety: Who Benefits the Most?

Airbags do protect everyone in the car, but their efficiency depends on factors like age, size, and seating position. They all play an important role in protecting you from injury and in your favour. If airbags are used properly, they surely protect people of all ages, but extra care is important for children and older adults.

• Usually, people sitting in the front seats receive the most benefit since most airbags are designed for them.

• Kids under 13 should always sit in the back seat. Airbags in front seats can seriously harm children.

• Older adults can also get harmed due to fragile bones. So they must sit upright and at a safe distance from airbags.

How Much Does an Airbag Cost?

The price of car airbags differs a lot depending on their quality and other factors. Usually, a single airbag can cost you around ₹16,000 to ₹80,000 or even more. However, if you want to replace them after an accident, the overall repair cost can cost you up to ₹80,000 to ₹5,00,000 or even more as they are used. If multiple airbags need to be changed, it can cost you more. These are just normal prices, but a service centre can accurately estimate the cost based on your vehicle. Though it may seem expensive, airbags are a very crucial part of your car’s safety system and are worth the investment.

A few things influence the price:

• Types of airbags, whether they are front, side, curtain, knee, or curtain ones, often cost more.
• The car model depends on luxury or other factors.
• Labour cost at the local repair shop.
• Whether you buy new or used/recycled parts for repair.

To find out about the correct price for your specific car, what you can do is:

• Check with your dealership for everything
• Call a certified mechanic for repairs.
• Look up your car’s make, model, and year online, along with “airbag replacement cost”

Key Takeaways

Airbags are a vital part of vehicle and people's safety. They don’t only prevent accidents but also play an important role in reducing the threat of causing serious injuries when an accident happens. For best protection, airbags should always be used in pairs with seatbelts, as they are built to work together to keep passengers safe and secure.

However, special care must be taken when it comes to children and older adults, as airbags can pose risks if not used properly. Young children should be seated in the back, and elderly passengers should maintain a safe distance from the dashboard. Although replacing airbags after deployment can be expensive, it's a small price to pay for a system that can save lives. To ensure your airbags function properly when needed, regular maintenance is required, as you need car insurance to maintain your car.

Also Read:

• Are Airbags covered under Car Insurance?

• Safest Cars as per Global NCAP Rating in India

• A Guide To Track Your Vehicle With GPS

Frequently Asked Questions