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How airbags work (and beware of used cars)

Model: (Various brands) Various
Part: Airbag

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How do airbags work in detail? It is a very important safety device, but it was designed to function in symbiosis with seat belts. The first cars began to be equipped with them in the 1970s, but without the combination with seat belts, they were useless, which is why they earned a bad reputation.

They work like this: when the sensors detect a collision or anticipate one, the airbag control unit receives a signal and decides which airbag to inflate, sending an impulse to the detonator of the chosen airbag, which then explodes. All of this happens in 30 to 50 milliseconds; the balloon then deflates through holes on the back.

Replacing them is expensive, which is why some dealers and some owners act improperly and do not reinstall them after an accident. Therefore, when we buy a used car, we should ensure that all airbags are present and functioning.


Posted on 19 January 2026 by ScegliAuto


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