subject: Airbag Updates [print this page] Airbag Updates Airbag Updates
In the early nineties, when airbags were first introduced as safety features into our vehicles, all handbooks came with a warning that the airbags would go out of date and need replacing within a decade.
And so motorists who were aware of this have recently started asking dealers about airbag testing and when they qualify for this, as their airbags have expired.
But the society of Motor Manufacturers and traders have told the press that the service requirement has been phase out, as the airbags have stood the test of time, and therefore don't need servicing. They are intended to last the lifetime of the car, unless there is an accident and they are deployed, in which case they are replaced.
"When airbags were introduced, extensive testing was carried out on them by their manufacturers but no one was sure how long they would last and whether they would continue to perform satisfactorily," said AA technical specialist Vanessa Guyll.
It was thought that damp or other environmental factors might contribute to the deterioration of the bags, but testing has shown that they are still performing to the standard that they should be after the time.
It has been warned however that you shouldn't buy second hand airbags form places such as Ebay, as you have no inclination about the history of the bag and whether it has been deployed in the past.
If you are driving on Britain's roads, make sure you have a valid Car Insurance policy to cover you.
