Can a Car Be Fixed After Airbags Deploy?

Airbags are a critical safety feature in modern vehicles, and they’ve been credited with saving tens of thousands of lives since their introduction. If you’ve been in an accident where your airbags deployed, you might be wondering, “Can A Car Be Fixed After Airbags Deploy?”. Understanding what happens after airbag deployment is essential for any car owner involved in a collision.

Understanding Airbag Deployment

Airbags are designed to deploy rapidly in moderate to severe collisions, typically within milliseconds of impact. This quick inflation is triggered by sensors that detect sudden deceleration, a key indicator of a crash. The system sends a signal to the airbag module, which then ignites a chemical propellant. This reaction produces gas, usually argon or nitrogen, which rapidly inflates the airbag. These airbags, typically made of nylon and housed in the steering wheel, dashboard, or seats, act as a cushion between the vehicle occupants and hard interior surfaces, significantly reducing the risk of injury.

Airbag Deployment and Vehicle Damage: Is My Car Totaled?

A common concern after airbag deployment is whether the car is considered a total loss. The deployment itself can sometimes contribute to a vehicle being declared totaled, but it’s not always the sole reason. A car is typically deemed a total loss when the cost of repairs exceeds the vehicle’s market value.

Airbag deployment can lead to significant damage beyond just the airbags themselves. The force of deployment can damage the dashboard, steering wheel, windshield, and even internal electronic components. If the cost to replace the deployed airbags, repair the deployment damage, and fix other collision-related damages exceeds the car’s value, the insurance company may declare it a total loss.

However, airbag deployment doesn’t automatically mean your car is irreparable. In many cases, especially if the structural damage from the accident is minimal, the car can be fixed.

Repairing Your Car After Airbag Deployment: What’s Involved?

Yes, a car can often be repaired after airbags deploy. The key is that deployed airbags must always be replaced. They are single-use safety devices and cannot be reused or repaired after inflation.

The repair process typically involves:

• Airbag Replacement: This is the most crucial step. A certified technician will remove the deployed airbags and install new ones. This includes not just the airbag cushions themselves, but also potentially the airbag module and sensors, depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations and the extent of the system activation.
• Damage Assessment and Repair: Along with airbag replacement, a thorough inspection is necessary to assess any damage caused by the deployment itself (e.g., dashboard cracks, steering wheel damage) and the collision. Bodywork, component replacements, and system resets might be required.
• SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) Reset: The airbag system, also known as the SRS, needs to be properly reset after airbag replacement to ensure it functions correctly in the future. This often involves diagnostic tools and specialized procedures.

If the structural integrity of the vehicle is intact and the cost of repairs, including airbag system replacement, is less than the car’s value, then fixing the car is a viable option. It is crucial to have the vehicle assessed by a qualified mechanic or collision repair center to get an accurate estimate.

How Does Airbag Deployment Impact Accident Claims and Costs?

Airbag deployment almost certainly increases the cost of repairs following an accident. Replacing airbags and related components is not inexpensive. This increased repair cost will be factored into your insurance claim.

It’s important to understand that airbag deployment itself does not determine fault in an accident. Airbags are a safety system designed to activate during a significant impact, regardless of who is at fault. However, the fact that airbags deployed will be a key factor in assessing the severity of the accident and the extent of vehicle damage, which in turn will influence the overall claim payout and potentially whether the vehicle is repaired or deemed a total loss by the insurance company.

Getting Your Car Back on the Road After Airbag Deployment

If your airbags have deployed, it’s essential to have your vehicle professionally inspected by a certified collision repair center. They can accurately assess the damage, provide a repair estimate, and guide you through the process of airbag replacement and other necessary repairs. While airbag deployment can be a significant event, it doesn’t automatically mean the end for your vehicle. With professional repair, your car can often be safely restored to its pre-accident condition and back on the road.