How to Ensure Your Airbags Work When It Matters Most

May 12, 2025

How to Ensure Your Airbags Are at Their Most Effective

When you think of life-saving features in your car, airbags probably top the list—and rightfully so. In the event of a crash, these compact cushions deploy in milliseconds to help protect your head, chest, and even legs from serious injury.

But here’s the thing: airbags aren’t just “set it and forget it” components. Like any safety system, they require attention and care. If your airbags aren’t functioning properly—or worse, if they’re unknowingly disabled—they won’t be there for you when it matters most.

So, how do you make sure your airbags are actually ready to do their job? Let’s break it down.

What Makes Airbags Effective in the First Place?

To understand how to keep airbags effective, you need to know how they work.

Airbags are part of the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) in your vehicle. They supplement your seat belts, not replace them. When a moderate or severe impact occurs, sensors detect the sudden deceleration and signal the airbag control unit to deploy one or more airbags. All of this happens in about 0.03 seconds.

But that level of precision only works if:

The sensors are functioning properly
The airbags haven’t been previously deployed
The airbag module isn’t expired or tampered with
You’re wearing your seat belt properly

Now that we understand the basics, let’s dive into what you can do to ensure your airbags are always ready.

Regularly Check for the Airbag Warning Light

This is your first and easiest line of defense.

That little light on your dashboard that says “SRS” or shows an icon of a seated person with a circle (representing an airbag)? Pay attention to it.

If it briefly lights up when you start your car and then turns off, you’re good.
If it stays on or starts flashing, your airbag system might be compromised.

Don’t ignore it. Even if your car feels fine, a lit SRS light could mean:

A faulty sensor
A wiring issue
A previously deployed (but unreplaced) airbag
A disconnected seat belt pretensioner
Water damage to your airbag module (common in flood-damaged cars)

📌 Helpful Tip: If you’ve recently bought a used car and see an SRS light, ask for a full diagnostic. Some sellers may clear the code temporarily, but the issue could still exist under the surface.

Get Your Airbag Module Inspected After a Crash

Even if the airbags didn’t deploy in a minor fender bender, your airbag control module might still store crash data or become locked.

That means in a future accident, your airbags may not deploy at all.

After any collision—big or small—get the airbag system scanned by a professional.

Here’s what they might do:

Scan for crash codes
Test the sensors
Reset or replace the SRS module if needed

🛠️ Some shops can reset SRS modules at a fraction of the cost of a full replacement, especially for minor incidents. At L&D Solutions, for example, we offer SRS module reset services that restore full functionality without replacing the whole unit.

Replace Deployed Airbags Immediately

This might seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many cars hit the road with missing airbags after a crash.

Some body shops or salvage rebuilders cut corners to save costs. That means they’ll:

Leave the airbag cavity empty
Install a counterfeit airbag (yes, it happens)
Reattach the airbag cover but not the actual module

Never trust a visual check alone. You’ll need a diagnostic scan to confirm airbag presence and function.

If you’re buying a used or rebuilt vehicle:

Request the airbag deployment history
Ask for a photo or scan report showing the SRS system is clear
Insist on proof of OEM airbag replacement

⚠️ Real-life example: In 2020, a man in Texas died in a low-speed crash when the counterfeit airbag in his used vehicle failed to deploy. The airbag cover was there—but the module was empty.

Understand Airbag Expiration (Yes, It’s a Thing)

Some older vehicles come with airbag expiration notices in the owner’s manual—usually at the 10-15 year mark. Newer vehicles use more advanced materials, but still, nothing lasts forever.

Here’s what to look out for:

Vehicles made before 2005 may require airbag replacement or inspection
Extreme heat or humidity (like in Florida, Texas, or California) can degrade the airbag inflator over time
Takata recalls are a prime example of inflator issues—tens of millions were recalled due to potentially deadly malfunctions

📌 Check your VIN on the NHTSA Recalls Database to see if your car has open airbag recalls.

Don’t Block or Alter Airbag Zones

You might be surprised how easy it is to accidentally interfere with airbag functionality—just by rearranging your car’s interior.

Avoid doing these:

Placing seat covers over side airbags (often found in the seat sides)
Storing hard objects on the dashboard where passenger airbags deploy
Mounting accessories on the steering wheel or column
Adding aftermarket steering wheels or racing harnesses without SRS integration

A clean, unobstructed airbag zone ensures the bag can deploy freely, without throwing debris or being blocked.

Keep Passengers Properly Positioned

Even if your airbags are perfect, poor seating posture can make them less effective—or even dangerous.

Here’s how to maximize protection:

Always wear your seat belt. Airbags are designed to work with them, not instead of them.
Sit upright with your back against the seat and feet on the floor.
Keep at least 10 inches between your chest and the steering wheel.
Don’t let kids under 13 ride in the front seat. Ever. It’s not worth the risk.

For infants, use rear-facing car seats in the back. Never place a rear-facing seat in the front if there’s an active passenger airbag.

Schedule an Annual Safety Inspection

You get your oil changed, your tires rotated, your brakes checked. Why not your airbags?

Many auto shops now offer SRS system checks as part of general safety inspections.

Ask for:

A scan of the airbag module
Confirmation of sensor functionality
Visual inspection of the steering wheel, dashboard, and seat airbag covers

These inspections are quick, often inexpensive, and can be life-saving.

Recap: How to Keep Your Airbags Ready

Here’s a quick checklist to keep your airbag system at its best:

✅ Check the SRS warning light every time you start your car
✅ Inspect or reset your airbag module after any collision
✅ Replace deployed or missing airbags—never cut corners
✅ Avoid blocking or tampering with airbag zones
✅ Maintain good seating posture and use seat belts
✅ Check for recalls regularly
✅ Schedule annual airbag inspections