What is the lifespan of an airbag? How to check if it’s functioning properly? Why is the airbag light illuminated? How to disable or remove the airbag? These are frequent questions about airbags.

The recent media coverage of a man killed by a Takata airbag has sparked concern among many people. To address these concerns, this article will answer the most frequently asked questions about airbags, including their lifespan, how to check their functioning, and what to do if the airbag light is on.

Do airbags have an expiry date?

Some people generally answer that airbags last only 5 years. They don’t even consult a car manufacturing professional, not a typical technician or dealer. They should refer to a reliable source. However, the answer to the question depends on the car’s manufacturing date. If the car is old, the airbag materials may degrade or leak, such as air vapor resulting from high moisture, inside the inflator due to inefficient sealing technologies.

Most companies, especially Mercedes-Benz, recommend checking the airbag every 6 to 10 years. Some companies include this instruction in the user manual as part of regular maintenance procedures. With the evolution of the automotive industry, the manufacturing of parts, the use of more durable and stable materials, the development of more efficient sealants, and significant advancements in electronic systems, especially after 1990, most car models manufactured after 1990 do not require airbag replacement and have a lifetime lifespan unless stated otherwise in the car’s user manual.

Takata airbags – why is my airbag light on?

Some airbags from Takata that have malfunctioned may be an exception (as noted in a previous article). Otherwise, the airbag does not need to be checked, maintained, or replaced after a certain number of years, unless stated specifically in the user manual (as mentioned previously). A few companies recommend replacing the airbag after 10 years, but most do not mention it. It is best to refer to the user manual. Additionally, you can download a free PDF copy in case you bought the car from another owner and they have lost the manual.

Why is my airbag light on? how to determine if the airbag system is functioning properly?

Your car’s airbag system is constantly monitored by sensors, which send information to the control modules to ensure it is functioning properly. If there is an issue, the control modules will alert you through the airbag light on the instrument panel.

When you start the car, the airbag light should come on briefly as the control modules perform a self-check. If the light doesn’t come on at all, stays on after the initial check, or flashes while driving, it is a sign of a malfunction and you should take your car to a specialized workshop as soon as possible.

It’s important to keep an eye on the instrument panel and to always wear your seatbelt. If the user manual does not specify maintenance or replacement for the airbag, you do not need to worry about it as long as the airbag light is functioning properly.

How to unplug/cancel the airbag?!

Some unethical or uninformed individuals have proposed ways to disable the airbag, but this is dangerous! Airbags are a crucial safety feature designed to save lives, and thousands have been saved thanks to them. If airbags weren’t important, international organizations and associations wouldn’t have made them a requirement in the car industry. If you suspect your car’s airbag may be malfunctioning, you can check its VIN ^[1]Vehicle Identification Number as previously mentioned, or bring it to a specialized workshop.

This article is a translation of the original work in Arabic by Mohamed AboGadAllah. (click here).