Car Safety: Airbags

Airbags

• Purpose: Airbags are designed to cushion the impact of a crash and reduce the risk of injury or fatality.
• Types:
  • Front airbags: deploy from the steering wheel and dashboard to protect the driver and passenger.
  • Side airbags: deploy from the seat or door to protect the torso and head.
  • Curtain airbags: deploy from the roof to protect the head and neck.
  • Knee airbags: deploy from the dashboard to protect the knees.
• How they work:
  • Sensors detect the severity of the crash and trigger the airbag deployment.
  • The airbag inflates in milliseconds to cushion the impact.
  • The airbag then deflates to allow the occupant to move away from the impact zone.

Seatbelts

• Purpose: Seatbelts are designed to restrain the occupant and prevent them from being thrown from the vehicle or colliding with the interior.
• Types:
  • Lap belts: a single strap that crosses the lap.
  • Shoulder belts: a strap that crosses the chest and shoulder.
  • Three-point belts: a combination of lap and shoulder belts.
  • Inflatable seatbelts: use airbags to cushion the occupant's chest.
• How they work:
  • The seatbelt retracts to allow the occupant to move freely.
  • In the event of a crash, the seatbelt locks to restrain the occupant.
  • The seatbelt distributes the force of the crash across the occupant's body, reducing the risk of injury.

Airbags

• Airbags are designed to cushion the impact of a crash and reduce the risk of injury or fatality.
• Four types of airbags:
  • Front airbags deploy from the steering wheel and dashboard to protect the driver and passenger.
  • Side airbags deploy from the seat or door to protect the torso and head.
  • Curtain airbags deploy from the roof to protect the head and neck.
  • Knee airbags deploy from the dashboard to protect the knees.
• Airbag deployment process:
  • Sensors detect the severity of the crash and trigger the airbag deployment.
  • The airbag inflates in milliseconds to cushion the impact.
  • The airbag then deflates to allow the occupant to move away from the impact zone.

Seatbelts

• Seatbelts are designed to restrain the occupant and prevent them from being thrown from the vehicle or colliding with the interior.
• Four types of seatbelts:
  • Lap belts: a single strap that crosses the lap.
  • Shoulder belts: a strap that crosses the chest and shoulder.
  • Three-point belts: a combination of lap and shoulder belts.
  • Inflatable seatbelts: use airbags to cushion the occupant's chest.
• Seatbelt operation:
  • The seatbelt retracts to allow the occupant to move freely.
  • In the event of a crash, the seatbelt locks to restrain the occupant.
  • The seatbelt distributes the force of the crash across the occupant's body, reducing the risk of injury.

Vehicle Safety and Maintenance

Battery Maintenance

• There are three types of batteries: Maintenance-free, Low-Maintenance, and Conventional batteries.
• Regularly check battery terminals for corrosion and clean them if necessary to prevent damage.
• Check the battery water level, if applicable, to ensure the battery is properly maintained.
• Verify the battery voltage and charging system to identify any issues.
• Avoid deep discharging the battery, which means letting it drain below 50% charge, to prolong its lifespan.

Battery Testing

• Use a multimeter to test the battery voltage and charging system to diagnose any problems.
• Perform a load test to check the battery's performance under load and identify any weaknesses.

Battery Replacement

• Replace the battery every 5-7 years or according to the manufacturer's recommendation to ensure optimal performance.
• Ensure the correct replacement battery type and size are used to prevent compatibility issues.

Tire Pressure Monitoring

• Proper tire pressure improves fuel efficiency, handling, and safety by reducing the risk of accidents.
• Underinflated tires can lead to reduced tire life, increased stopping distance, and accidents, making regular checks crucial.
• Check tire pressure at least once a month and before long trips to ensure optimal pressure.

Tire Pressure Check

• Use a tire pressure gauge to ensure accurate readings and compare them to the recommended pressure in the owner's manual.
• Check the owner's manual for the recommended tire pressure to ensure correct inflation.

Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)

• Many modern vehicles are equipped with TPMS, which monitors tire pressure and alerts the driver if pressure is too low.
• TPMS sensors provide real-time monitoring to ensure optimal tire pressure.

Oil Change Intervals

• Regular oil changes extend engine life, improve fuel efficiency, and reduce emissions by preventing engine damage.
• Neglecting oil changes can lead to engine damage and premature wear, making regular maintenance essential.

Oil Change Intervals

• Traditional oil should be changed every 5,000-7,500 miles to maintain optimal engine performance.
• Synthetic oil can go up to 10,000-15,000 miles between changes, and synthetic blend oil can go up to 7,500-10,000 miles.

Oil Change Considerations

• Check the owner's manual for recommended oil change intervals to ensure compliance with the manufacturer's schedule.
• Consider driving conditions, such as extreme temperatures, towing, or stop-and-go traffic, when determining oil change intervals.
• Use the correct oil type and viscosity for your vehicle to ensure optimal performance and engine protection.

Learn about the purpose and types of airbags in vehicles, including front, side, curtain, and knee airbags. Understand how they work to reduce the risk of injury or fatality in a crash.