Replacing or resetting an airbag can be confusing for car owners. You might be asking yourself, “When do you need to replace the airbag entirely, and when is a reset necessary?”

Before answering this question, you need to know the difference between an airbag and an airbag module. It would help you understand the next steps you need to take and whether you should buy a new one or have a reset one to fix it for you. 

The Airbag vs. The Airbag Module

The airbag is the cushion that inflates when a vehicle encounters a collision. It protects the passenger from getting a severe injury. It also saves them from directly crashing onto the vehicle’s interior!

The airbag module, on the other hand, controls everything about the airbag. That includes when it would deploy as well as the collection of its crash data and other information related to your car’s engine. 

Should your airbag only need resetting, it is the airbag module that the technicians fix. Meanwhile, airbags, once inflated, can never be repaired or repacked. 

Signs That You Need an Airbag Replacement

Here are some situations that require you to replace your airbag completely:

• When you get caught in an accident

When your vehicle got involved in a collision, your airbag would automatically pop up to protect you. As soon as it has done its job, it will deflate. In this case, you can never reuse or inflate your airbag again, even if you didn’t hit on it hard! The only option you have is to replace your airbag with a new one.

• It has been a long time since you had your airbags

Your airbags are not safe from wear and tear, even if you have not used them. That is why it is vital to keep an eye on your car’s airbag and replace it if it has not been used for some years! 

It entirely depends on what your car manufacturer recommends. Some would suggest a dealer inspection of the airbag every ten years, while some would require a replacement every 15 years. That is your only reassurance that it would still function properly when the time comes that you need it. 

• Your airbag suffered from wear and tear

When the airbag inspection is done, and your airbag has shown signs of wear and tear, then it would be best to replace it with a new one to ensure your safety at all times. 

• The airbag warning light is on

A quick way to know that your airbag needs replacement is when your car’s airbag light suddenly turns on. When that happens, it means that your airbags are deactivated—which could occur for many reasons. 

Some common reasons are improper bag deployment, or your car has a depleted battery for powering up your airbags. A thorough airbag inspection can determine its real cause. If it involves your airbag directly, you need to change your airbag to a new one.

When Do You Need a Module Reset

Here are the scenarios when an airbag module reset would be more apt for your situation:

1. After getting involved in any type of accident, big or small. Doing so would ensure that your airbag system would work as it should.
2. If your airbag light is on. As mentioned above, the light is an indication of an error within the system. It would be safer if you do a module reset to not overlook any safety features!

Conclusion

Airbags have one sole purpose: to shield the people inside the vehicle against further harm. However, before it performs its function, you also need to ensure that it is at its top condition to provide the protection it promises. Knowing when to replace and reset is one step towards ensuring that safety.

Should you need an airbag module reset in Westfield, MA, allow us to do it for you! Safety Restore ensures that the service we provide is compatible with your car. We guarantee a 24-hour turnaround time for all our repairs, and they all come with a lifetime warranty. Call us at (855) 552-7233 to book a service!