Besides seatbelts, an airbag is one of the protective kits installed in automobiles. The airbag has helped save millions of lives, even in the most fatal accident. We all don’t seem to know its essence until we become a victim of an accident. If you have ever been a victim, it means you’ve been saved by the airbag (not the bell) once or twice.
The airbag is designed to be triggered within milliseconds. When an accident occurs, it prevents the front seat passengers from hitting their faces on the steering wheel, dashboard, or windshield. The airbag is a one-time offer; once it saves you in an accident, that’s all. This means airbags have to be replaced post-accident. But how do you replace it?
Replacing an airbag after an accident might be new to you, but not to us. We have a guide that will guide you in replacing the airbag after an accident.
Contents
When Do You Need To Replace Airbags?
The airbag can only be inflated once for your safety during an accident. After an accident, it is required to be replaced. The need to replace an airbag is always urgent; driving a vehicle without one is considered extreme sports.
The airbag is necessary if we want to keep living. Before you start using your car after an accident, please replace the airbag.
How To Replace Airbags Of The Car After An Accident
Credit: wikipedia.org
Replacing an airbag after an accident is simple, really simple with an accurate guide. Below is a helpful instruction that will make replacing airbags after an accident seamless.
Remove The Old Airbag
Step 1: Prepare materials needed to remove the old airbag are Drill bit, Flathead screwdriver, Philips head screwdriver, Ratchet, Socket, and Torx screwdriver.
This long list of screwdrivers results from the different methods vehicle manufacturers use to secure the airbag to the steering wheel.
Step 2: Disconnect the negative terminal on the battery
This will prevent a power surge as you remove the old airbag. Make sure the cable is placed away from the terminal to avoid a chance of power surge. To fully drain the capacitor, don’t work on the airbag for about 15 minutes.
Step 3: Locate the screw holes on the back of the steering wheel
In so doing, you may have to open some plastic panels on the steering column to see all the screws.
Step 4: Unscrew all the screws and remove the airbag
After unscrewing the screws, you will see a plug from where the airbag can be removed.
Step 4: Unplug the airbag
To unplug the airbag without incurring further damage to the car, carefully undo the two connectors attached to the airbag.
Install The New Airbag
Step 1: Plug in the new airbag correctly; if not, the airbag will not function as it should. Also, give the wires a light tug to ensure they are well connected.
Step 2: Reinsert airbag into the steering wheel
Ensure all the wires are accurately connected, so they don’t just get mashed up below the airbag. Reinserting the airbag into the steering wheel is easier with spring tabs; the airbag pops into place.
Step 3: Screw in the airbag
For future replacement of the airbag (which I wish wouldn’t happen), ensure you don’t strip the screws while tightening them.
Step 4: Reconnect the negative terminal on the battery
After reconnecting the negative terminal, test some functions on the wheel (like the horn) to affirm everything is correctly fixed. If all functions work fine, replace all remove steering wheel panels.
How Much Does It Cost To Replace An Airbag?
To understand the cost of airbag replacement, one has to consider the safety effect of airbags. Did you take a guess already? Okay. The cost of replacing the airbag depends on the manufacturer and model of the mangled car, and the number of airbags to be replaced.
Incurred damages to other parts related to the airbag also contribute to its expenses. Such additional features include the dashboard, airbag computer, springs, sensors, instrument panel, and steering wheel.
Usually, an airbag replacement can cost between $1.000 and $6.000 depending on the above-listed factors. The labor accounts for about one-third of the total expenses.
If you correctly follow the detailed guide listed above, you will surely save yourself thousands of dollars.
FAQs:
1.Can you replace your airbags yourself?
Of course, you can. But is it worth it?
Understandably, replacing an airbag after an accident by yourself will help save some money.
When other damages are incurred, it directly increases the cost of replacement. You can replace the airbag(s) yourself, but it is recommended that a technician fix it.
2. What is the life of an airbag?
Unlike the external parts of a vehicle, the airbag is concealed and not affected by external factors. Generally, it is believed that airbags are suitable for about 10-15 years.
Also, there the sensors that detect crashes and trigger airbag deployment are monitored by a built-in system. So, in any case of any electronic issue, you will see a warning light on igniting your car.
3.How long does it take to replace airbags in a car?
This depends on the availability of the airbag model, availability of other damaged parts, and technician’s availability. However, It is expected to take about 3-4 hours to finish.
4.Is it legal to drive cars without airbags?
Cars without functional airbags are not fit for use. According to road rules, it is illegal.
5.How do you check a car airbag?
A car’s airbag can be checked by inspecting all the electronics involved in airbag deployment. The airbag indicator light, airbag cover, and dashboard should be thoroughly examined.
Conclusion
An airbag is an essential part of modern automobiles, designed to keep us safe during unprecedented occurrences. If your airbag saved you in an accident once, and you haven’t replaced it yet, that is not very good.
Replacing an airbag after an accident should be your top priority so that you can stay alive despite road accidents. An airbag is your helmet; wear it every time.
Read more: SRS Light: Why Is It On? What To Do?
