Airbag 101: How Your Car's Airbags Protect You

Jul 14, 2025

Most drivers never think about their airbags, until they need them. And by then, it’s too late to ask how they actually work.

At AllAirbags.com, we specialize in OEM and high-quality replacement airbags for nearly every make and model. But before you replace one, it's worth understanding what these devices do, how they keep you safe, and why using the right airbag matters.

What Is an Airbag?

Airbags are part of your car’s Supplemental Restraint System (SRS). The keyword there? Supplemental. They don’t replace your seatbelt, they work with it.

In a serious crash, airbags deploy in milliseconds to cushion your body and reduce injury. They’re hidden in places like the steering wheel, dashboard, doors, seats, and even the ceiling, ready to activate if needed.

Quick facts:

Airbags inflate in 20–30 milliseconds
They cushion your head, chest, and sometimes legs
They can reduce serious injury by over 30% in a front-end crash

How Do Airbags Deploy?

Inside your car are crash sensors and a central airbag control unit (ACU). When the system detects sudden deceleration, say, from hitting another vehicle, it triggers a chain reaction:

Sensors detect impact
The ACU analyzes speed, direction, and force
If thresholds are met, the system sends a signal to the inflator
A chemical reaction creates gas to inflate the bag
The airbag inflates, cushions you, and deflates—all within seconds

Airbags are one of the fastest and most effective passive safety systems in modern vehicles.

The Different Types of Airbags in Your Car

Modern vehicles use multiple airbags, each serving a unique purpose. When replacing them, it's important to know what you're dealing with.

1. Driver Airbag

Located in the steering wheel. Protects the head and chest in a frontal impact.

2. Passenger Airbag

Housed in the dashboard. Designed for the front passenger during head-on collisions.

3. Side Airbags

Found in seats or doors. Help reduce injuries in side-impact crashes.

4. Curtain Airbags

Deploy from the roofline above the doors. Protect the head in side collisions and rollovers.

5. Knee Airbags

Mounted under the steering column. They help prevent leg injuries and control lower body movement.

6. Rear Airbags

Increasingly seen in luxury or newer vehicles. Add protection for rear passengers.

At AllAirbags.com, we sell replacement airbags for all of these types, from single units to full airbag kits.

When Do Airbags Not Deploy?

Contrary to popular belief, airbags don’t go off in every crash. They’re designed to deploy only when necessary to avoid unnecessary injuries or repair costs.

They often don’t deploy when:

A crash occurs at low speeds
The impact is from the rear
The system determines seatbelts alone provide sufficient protection
A sensor malfunction or previous deployment prevents activation

This is why it’s important to replace any deployed or faulty airbags immediately, your safety depends on a working system.

After a Crash: Why Replacing Deployed Airbags Matters

Once an airbag deploys, it can’t be reused. The materials and inflator are single-use only.

Trying to reuse or repair a deployed airbag isn’t just unsafe, it’s illegal in many states. The solution? Install a replacement airbag that meets OEM standards.

Here’s what you may need after a crash:

A new airbag (driver, passenger, or multiple units)
Seatbelt pretensioner replacements (if triggered)
Airbag covers (which may be damaged during deployment)
Complete airbag kits for more severe collisions

At AllAirbags.com, we offer a wide range of replacement airbags that meet or exceed factory specifications, often for much less than the dealer price.

How to Know if Your Airbag Needs Replacing

Not sure if your airbag system is intact? Here are some warning signs:

The airbag warning light is on
You’ve been in a crash, even a minor one
A mechanic told you an airbag has deployed or is missing
You bought a salvage or repaired vehicle

In any of these cases, it’s crucial to inspect and replace airbags before returning the car to the road.

Why Quality Matters in Airbag Replacement

Your airbag isn’t just a “part”, it’s a life-saving device. Using cheap or counterfeit airbags can lead to:

Improper deployment (too fast, too slow, or not at all)
Failure to detect a crash
Increased injury risk in a future accident

AllAirbags.com only sells tested, certified, and carefully sourced airbags. We do not sell salvaged or uncertified airbags.

When buying from us, you get:
✅ OEM or OEM-equivalent parts
✅ Compatibility with your specific make and model
✅ Clean, undeployed airbags
✅ U.S.-based support and fast shipping

Can I Replace My Airbag Myself?

Airbag replacement is not a DIY job unless you’re an experienced auto technician. It often requires:

Special tools and safety procedures
Disconnecting the vehicle battery
Proper handling of pyrotechnic devices (airbag inflators)
Coordination with the vehicle’s computer system

We strongly recommend having a certified technician install any replacement airbags purchased from AllAirbags.com.

What Makes AllAirbags.com Different?

We’re not a random parts site. We focus exclusively on one thing: selling safe, clean, and tested airbags to help drivers and body shops get cars back on the road safely.

Why choose us?

Wide inventory of driver, passenger, side, and curtain airbags
Affordable pricing compared to dealerships
Fast turnaround and shipping
Clear part matching by make, model, and year
Responsive U.S.-based support team

Final Thoughts: Don’t Drive Without Protection

Your car’s airbags are invisible, until they aren’t. Whether your vehicle was in a recent crash or you're repairing a used car, make sure you replace any missing or deployed airbags with high-quality replacements.

It’s not just about passing inspection, it’s about protecting yourself and your passengers.