Description: Some cars have just an
airbag on the driver's side; others have both passenger and driver's
side airbags. During a front collision of sufficient force, impact
sensors close. This triggers an electrical signal that travels to
the air bag module. Upon receipt of this signal, current arcs across
both pins of an igniter and starts a chemical chain reaction. This
arc ignites a canister of gas that ignites sodium azide pellets. The
pellets burn rapidly and change to nitrogen gas. The rapid buildup
of nitrogen fills the
bag quickly. The
rapid expansion of the air bag tears
the steering wheel cover
open at specific locations. The bag reaches full
deployment shortly thereafter.
Purpose: During a severe frontal
collision, the air bag deploys and absorbs the forward force of the
driver's or passenger's upper body as it spreads out
over the large surface area of the bag. Air
bags and safety
belts
make a team. Air
bags don't replace
belts. They only supplement them during severe front
collisions.
Maintenance Tips/Suggestions:
Air bags don't require
regular maintenance, but you should pay attention to
the airbag indicator light on the dashboard. With the ignition
in the
on
position, the light should come on momentarily and then go out. If
the light stays on or comes on while driving, have
the system checked by a professional service
technician. Also, air bags sometimes have defects that are covered
under a recall from the manufacturer. To
see if your vehicle is covered, visit the National Highway
Transportation Safety Administration site at: www.nhtsa.dot.gov.
