Even though the world has witnessed a huge number of deaths during the Covid Pandemic, the reality is that road accidents claim more lives every year. But despite such a shocking statistic, several lives are saved due to safety systems such as seat belts and srs airbags. That’s why it’s important to know all about them. So here’s what an airbag is, and where it’s located in your car.
What is an SRS Airbag?
If you are wondering about the white balloon that’s the center of attention today, then we are here to tell you all about it. Hailed to be amongst one of the most revolutionary vehicle safety inventions of all time, an SRS (Supplementary Restraint System) Airbag is a single-use safety-restrain cushion that is designed to inflate when your car undergoes a collision/impact.
Upon collision, the SRS Airbag inflates to offer a cushiony and soft restraint between the passenger or driver and the vehicle’s interiors; hitting which can turn out to be extremely fatal in absence of airbags. The Airbag after inflating slowly deflates, and must then be replaced. Located at multiple locations within your car, the job of the airbag is paramount in ensuring you are safe from trauma injuries during an accident.
Also, Read 5 Things You Must Not Do In A Car With Airbags | The Deadly Sins
Where are SRS Airbags Located?
Over the years, Airbags have become more and more important to Indian consumers. In fact, Airbags are so integral to vehicle safety that on 14th January 2022, it was announced that it will soon be compulsory for OEMs to offer a minimum of six airbags in cars that can carry up to 8 passengers, indirectly including all M1 vehicles within the preview of the rule. And since we are talking about several airbags, here’s where most of them are located:
Frontal Airbags
- Driver Side Airbag: This airbag is typically located behind the steering and prevents the driver from traumatic injuries.
- Passenger Side Airbag: This airbag is usually located behind the dashboard, parallel to the passenger seat. This Airbag protects the passenger from injuries.
- Knee Airbags: This airbag is usually located beneath the steering and behind the dash panel. Knee Airbags offer additional protection for the driver and passenger’s knees in an accident.
- Door Mounted/Seat-Mounted Airbags: These airbags are mounted behind the door and on the outboard of the seats in high-end cars to offer maximum protection.
Side Airbags
- Curtain Airbags: These Airbags are placed beneath the roof rail, and come down like a curtain to offer maximum protection for all the occupants in case of an accident and prevent the head from hitting the window.
- Torso Airbags: These are Airbags that are mounted at the side of the seat, and inflate to protect the torso region of the occupants in case of a side collision.
- Combination Airbags: These airbags are a combo of torso and curtain airbags that are triggered together to provide more protection.
So this was all about Airbag placement, the next time you drive make sure to put on the seat belt so that the Airbags can work well to protect you in case things go south. Till then stay pinned to the GoMechanic Blog.
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Related: Cars In India Will Soon Need To Have 6 Airbags
FAQs
Q1. Where are airbags placed in cars?
Airbags are generally installed in the steering wheel and dashboard of the car for the safety of the driver and the co-driver. Some luxury cars airbags are also offered on the side of the seats and on the knees for extra protection.
Q2. Which car has 6 airbags?
Nowadays, almost every car manufacturer in India offers 6 airbags in their cars. But, generally this feature is offered only in the top models of the cars. Some of them are Kia Seltos, Hyundai creta and many more in the market.
Q3. When were airbags placed in cars?
Airbags were first introduced in cars in 1970 in the USA. In India, they were first revealed in the year 1990. In the year 2019, driver-side airbags became mandatory by the government.
Q4. Do airbags still work after 20 years?
Yes, generally airbags were built in such a way that they may last up to 20 years. But, over time its other components like its sensors or inflators might worn out.
Q5. Which was the first airbag car in India?
The Mercedes-Benz S-class (W-140) was one of the first few cars introduced in the 1990s with an airbag as a standard safety feature. After that, in 1995, the Maruti Baleno(1st gen) was the first car to come with an airbag for the mass market.
