Safety first: a brief discussion on the precautions for using airbags

【Car owner’s home car knowledge】As an auxiliary configuration for the passive safety of the vehicle body, airbags play a vital role in protecting people in car accidents. However, if used improperly, airbags may also become "invisible killers", threatening people's lives at any time. Next, let’s take a look at some correct ways to use airbags.

1. Use with safety belt

As we all know, the airbag is an auxiliary safety device. It is used to cushion people's impact when a car accident occurs. If seat belts are not worn, the safety effect of airbags will be greatly reduced. According to surveys, the use of airbags alone can reduce accident mortality by about 18%, the use of seat belts alone can reduce accident mortality by about 42%, and the use of airbags and seat belts can reduce accident mortality by about 47%. Therefore, for your own safety, you must wear your seat belt after getting in the car.

2. Do not place objects on the air bag

Since the air bag is very powerful when it pops up, if an object is placed on it, the ejected object will cause a second injury. So do not place anything in front of or near the air bag. At the same time, when installing radios, CD players and other accessories in the car, you must follow the regulations of the automobile manufacturer and do not modify the parts and circuits belonging to the airbag system at will, otherwise it will affect the operation of the airbag.

3. Do not wrap the airbag with the seat cushion

For cars with side airbags, it is best not to put on seat covers, otherwise it may affect the time when the airbag explodes or the direction of deployment. Even if you must put it on, it is best to leave an opening on the side to facilitate the normal deployment of the airbag.

4. Avoid high temperatures

The components of the airbag device should be properly kept and should not be exposed to high temperatures above 85°C to avoid accidentally deploying the airbag.

5. Avoid accidental bumps and vibrations

Components such as airbag sensors are very sensitive to collisions and impacts, so no matter how angry you are, do not hit the airbag with your hands to avoid unnecessary sudden deployment of the airbag.

6. Airbags are disposable

Because the airbag is a disposable item, once it is detonated, it no longer has the ability to protect the next time, and it cannot be stuffed back and used again.

7. Air bags are not suitable for children

Air bags combined with three-point safety belts provide the best protection for adults, but they do not protect children and infants. If it is used on children, it will not only fail to protect the safety of the children, but may also lead to fatal dangers. Therefore, remember not to put children in the passenger seat.

8. Pay attention to maintenance

Although the car airbag is a disposable item, you still need to pay attention to its maintenance. Before each start of the car, the SRS warning light on the instrument panel will light up for about 5 seconds to indicate that it is performing a self-test. If the warning light keeps flashing it indicates a fault with the air bag system. Go to a professional car repair shop for inspection and repair in time.