Used Car? Check For Air Bags
If you're buying a used car, there are a few things you can check to ensure the vehicle has an air bag and that it's in good working condition:
- Find out if the car had airbags when manufactured. Look for signs on the steering wheel and dashboard that say "airbag" or SIR (supplemental inflatable restraint) or SRS (supplemental restraint system). Also check the vehicle owner's manual or call a dealer for that make of vehicle.
- If the car has airbags, then watch for an airbag
indicator light on the dashboard. This will be a pictogram or the word airbag,
that comes on for a few seconds, when the ignition key is turned on, and then
goes out.
When the light is on, the vehicle computer is checking the entire airbag system. When it has completed this check satisfactorily, the light goes out. If it detects a problem, it continues to flash a "trouble code" until the problem is fixed.
- If the airbag indicator light stays on, or continues to flash off and on for more than a few seconds, this may mean there is a problem with the airbag system that needs to be fixed before you buy the car.
- If the light NEVER comes on, it may indicate a serious problem. If the airbag is missing, the bulb may have been removed so it cannot flash its warning to you. If the airbag bulb has been removed, you do not want to have anything to do with that car, or any other car from that person.
Do not buy a car with airbags but no airbag indicator light unless you have had it checked by an independent mechanic, or preferably a dealer for that make of vehicle.
You can do this simple check by yourself and won't need to go to a dealer or mechanic unless there is a problem with the light. The vehicle self-diagnosis is done every time the key is turned on and is very reliable.
