Did you know?
“Frontal air bags have saved more than 50,000 lives over a 30-year period.”
This is a fact… National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, mentioned this on its website. Airbags are crucial for your road safety. Timely deployment of these safety features can save your life in the event of a deadly collision. Therefore, the upkeep of your Volkswagen’s airbags is crucial. The sole purpose of writing this blog post is to help you do just that.
How Airbags Work
Airbag deployment is an intricate mechanism that involves many different steps including collision detection, data analysis, and airbag activation. To detect an imminent collision the system relies on a bunch of sensors― strategically placed around the vehicle to monitor various factors. Some of these sensors include impact sensors, side sensors, and roll sensors. With the help of these sensors, the airbag control module monitors the vehicle’s surroundings and continually look for potential crash scenarios.
If the module detects a collision force from one of the deployed sensors, it will send signals to the inflators to deploy the airbags. Chemical reactions triggered by this process will inflate the airbags within milliseconds to provide cushioning.
Tips To Ensure The Upkeep Of Your VW’s Airbag System
#1- Monitor the airbag warning light
The airbag mechanism incorporated into your Volkswagen is a very complex system―composed of many different parts. You can’t check each of its components individually; it is simply not practical. You can, however, keep track of the overall functionality of your vehicle’s airbag deployment mechanism by simply keeping an eye on the airbag warning light. A flashing or illuminated warning light could indicate a problem with the airbag system.
#2- Avoid DIY repairs
Being self-reliant is admirable… But when it comes to complex car repairs, it is always recommended to seek professional assistance. If you suspect a glitch in your Volkswagen’s airbag system, don’t attempt to repair or modify it yourself. Because, your attempt to fix the glitch could disable the system or cause accidental deployment. This is something that can put your road safety in jeopardy. It is therefore advised that you let experienced professionals handle such issues.
#3- Keep sensors and components clean
If you want your Volkswagen’s airbags deploy correctly in the event of a collision, you must keep the key components and sensors of the system clean and in good condition. Accumulation of dust, dirt, or debris can hinder the impact sensor’s ability to perform their intended functions. Such interference can significantly limit the system’s ability to detect collisions accurately. If you want your vehicle’s airbag system come to your aid in the hour of need, keep its sensors clean.
#4- Schedule regular inspections
Have your vehicle’s airbag system components checked by technicians from time to time. Such inspections are crucial for identifying problems before they turn into expensive repairs. Airbags, the control module, impact sensors, crash sensors, inflators, the clockspring, seatbelt pretensioners, wiring, and connectors are among the components that should be inspected periodically to ensure they are working correctly. And yes, defective components should be replaced promptly.
#5- Replace deployed airbags
Airbags, once deployed, cannot be reused. So, if your Volkswagen’s airbags have deployed recently due to a crash or similar incident, replace them promptly to restore your vehicle’s safety features. Leave the job to experienced and certified professionals. Another worth mentioning thing… stay informed about any recall notices specifically related to the airbag system in your VW model.
Don’t Hesitate To Seek Professional Assistance
Properly functioning airbags are crucial for your road safety. If you suspect a glitch in your vehicle’s airbag system, get it checked by a factory-trained technician. The benefit of having the issue checked by certified professionals is that they have the expertise and tools necessary to address such issues promptly. Timely action can save your life.
Fix Your Volkswagen’s Airbag Issues At Hagan’s Motor Pool
When it comes to repairing top-tire 
German vehicles in Rochester, NH, Hagan’s Motor Pool is the trusted choice. Our facility has all the latest factory-grade tools and equipment required to address complex mechanical issues in high-performance European vehicles, including Volkswagen. If you live in Rochester or nearby locations such as Alton, Barrington, Berwick, and Dover, NH, and are looking for a reputed auto service center to fix your VW’s troubled airbag system, feel free to contact us. Want to schedule an appointment with us? Call us at (603) 332-6822 or visit our website now.