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Do airbags use the electrical system of the car?
I’m trying to explain to a friend how airbags work in a car. Do airbags need the car’s electrical system to work?
Bellina Gaskey · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Great question! Your car probably uses a combination of a mechanical pressure sensor and electrical circuit sensor to tell it when to deploy the airbag. If your car has been damaged, it will trigger a mechanical release, hitting a switch and completing an electrical circuit that triggers the airbag to deploy.
Some cars have only a mechanical sensor or a purely electrical sensor, depending on the model and make.
If you’re concerned about your
airbag going off
due to a low or dead battery, don’t worry. You’ll probably see a check light come on to warn you about the battery issue, but the airbag won’t deploy unless the sensor is tripped by sufficient pressure, like a collision. It’s important to know that even if your car battery is low or dead, an airbag can still deploy as it was designed.Remember that it’s also a good idea to check your airbags regularly for
faults and defects
. If a check light comes on indicating a fault with your airbag sensor, get it checked out ASAP. Finding the right insurance for your car can be a challenge no matter what you drive. Sign up for the
Jerry
app and let us find you the best price on car insurance.View full answer
- Gregory R.
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