If you were involved in a car accident, your airbag sensors may have been triggered and/or the airbags may have inflated. If either occurs, you need airbag repairs prior to driving your vehicle. If you fail to do so, you will not be properly protected in case of another accident. The sensors will not trigger the airbags to inflate as they should, which can put you and your passengers in danger. However, you may be wondering how airbags are fixed after an accident. Here are the steps that are followed when fixing airbags after a car accident.
Resetting the Airbag Light
If your airbag sensors were triggered, even if the airbags were not deployed, the airbag sensors need to be reset. Most cars have a warning light, much like an engine repair light, that indicates something is wrong with the airbags. If your car's light is on, the airbag light needs to be reset or the airbags will not inflate as they should if you are in an accident.
Resetting the Airbags
If the airbags have deployed, they may be able to be reset in some makes and models of vehicles, as long as they are not damaged. This basically involves stuffing the airbag back into the airbag module and they resetting the airbag light. However, newer vehicles typically are not allowing the airbags to be reset. Always check with an auto repair shop to find out if yours can or cannot be reset.
Replacing the Airbags
If an airbag overinflated and popped or you have a vehicle where you can't reset the airbags, the airbags will need to be replaced following an accident. This involves replacing the entire airbag module and installing a new one. If the airbag was on your steering wheel, this may even involve replacing the entire wheel and column. After the new airbags are in place and installed, the airbag sensor is reset, ensuring your airbags are fully functional once again.
If you were involved in an accident in which the airbags deployed, you will need to have the airbags fixed before you can drive the vehicle again. Fortunately, this is something insurance will cover. Suburban Auto Body in St. Paul, MN is an auto body repair shop who can repair any damage done to your vehicle after a collision, including resetting or replacing your airbags. Give us a call today and get a free estimate.