How to Know if the Car Has an Airbag?

How to Know if the Car Has an Airbag?

Buying a second-hand car is a smart choice in many cases, but it also requires extra attention to certain details. One of the most important checks is related to the safety systems.

Airbags play a vital role in protecting the driver and passengers in the event of an accident. To learn more about how airbags work, read our article "What are airbag tapes and why are they important? Find out where to buy!

" and understand their importance. Essentially, they are designed to reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accident, and today they are considered an indispensable element for automotive safety.

However, when buying a second-hand car, it is not always evident if the airbags are actually present and, more importantly, if they are in full working order. This article will help you understand how to check if the car you bought or intend to buy has airbags in good condition, as well as identify signs that the system may be compromised. Keep reading!

Are Airbags Mandatory?

Yes. Airbags have been mandatory in all vehicles since 2006, and vehicles must be equipped with two front airbags and two side airbags. The presence of other types of airbags may vary depending on the model and manufacturing year of the vehicle.

However, simply having a car with installed airbags is not enough to ensure safety… these airbags must function perfectly. In used vehicles, there is always the possibility that the system has been tampered with or deactivated, especially if the car has been in any type of collision.

In Portugal, however, driving with deactivated or tampered airbags is illegal. This is because a tampered or deactivated airbag significantly compromises the safety of the driver and passengers, putting everyone’s lives at risk. Therefore, it is crucial to know if the car has airbags, if they are active, and if they are functioning properly.

How to Know if the Car Has Airbags?

If you are considering buying a used car, especially an older model, it’s important to know if the car has airbags. Here are some tips:

Front airbags are located in the steering wheel and passenger dashboard. Knowing where the airbags should be helps to identify if the vehicle is properly equipped.

The presence of airbags is generally indicated by markings such as “SRS” or “Airbag.” These markings signify that the vehicle is equipped with airbags in those locations.

The owner’s manual is also a useful source of information about the vehicle, allowing you to know if it has airbags and where they are located.

How to Check if the Airbags are Active and Functioning Properly?

Ensuring that the airbags are operational and ready to deploy is perhaps the most important step. When it comes to a used car, it’s important to check the condition of the airbag system to avoid unpleasant surprises in the future. Here are a few steps you can follow to check if the airbags are active and functioning properly:

A common test is to check if the airbag warning light on the dashboard turns on and off when the vehicle is started. If the light never comes on or stays on, it indicates a problem with the safety system. If the airbag light remains on, discover the causes and how to repair it and also find out if the car can be driven with the airbag light on.

Perform an inspection of the safety system. In used vehicles, it’s common for some internal parts to have been replaced due to repairs after an accident. This is because when an airbag deploys, it must be replaced, and sometimes there may be attempts to cut costs. So, if you notice that any internal parts seem to have been altered or replaced, be cautious.

Regularly maintain the airbag system as recommended by the manufacturer.

What to Do If You Suspect the Airbags Have Been Tampered With?

If you suspect that the airbags in your car are not functioning properly, it's crucial to act quickly to ensure your safety and that of your passengers.

Check the Airbag Warning Light on the Dashboard

If you suspect a fault in the airbag system, the first way to check the airbag’s functionality is by observing the indicator light on the dashboard. When starting the car, this light should come on for a few seconds and then turn off, indicating that the system has been checked and is active. If the light remains on or never illuminates, it may signal an issue. In this case, it’s important to seek professional assistance.

Identify the Problem

There are a variety of issues in the airbag system that can cause the airbag light to remain on, which should be diagnosed by a professional. These may include problems with collision sensors, faults in the airbag system control unit, loose or damaged connections, or issues with the airbag tapes. To learn more about these causes, we recommend reading the article "What to Do When the Airbag Light Turns On".

Seek Professional Help

Along with these checks, it’s also important to seek professional help. Airbags are complex devices that, in the event of malfunction, may fail at the most critical moment. Therefore, the best option is to seek reliable help and expert knowledge.

Airbag Tape Repair

One of the common causes of issues with the airbag system is failures in the airbag ribbons. If it’s time to replace or repair your airbag ribbon, you can count on Nova Luz. Fast repairs and replacements, performed in the presence of the customer.

In our online store, you'll find a selection of the best airbag ribbons for over 40 car brands. Count on a national team of excellence, with numerous airbag ribbon models in stock.

If you prefer, you can schedule an appointment at our warehouse in Vialonga. If you need help or advice, feel free to contact us.

Our team of specialists will be happy to assist you.

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