How does the air bag system operate?
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Air bags are activated (able to inflate if necessary) only when the ENGINE START/STOP button has been turned to the ON position.
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The appropriate air bags inflate instantly in the event of a serious frontal collision or side collision to help protect the occupants from serious physical injury.
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There is no single speed at which the air bags will inflate. Generally, air bags are designed to inflate based on the severity of a collision and its direction, etc. Several factors determine whether the sensors produce an electronic deployment / inflation signal.
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Air bags will not deploy in every collision. Air bag deployment depends on several factors including vehicle speed, angles of impact, and, the density and stiffness of the vehicles or objects which your vehicle hits in the collision. The determining factors are not limited to those mentioned above.
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The front air bags will completely inflate and deflate in an instant. It is virtually impossible for you to see the air bags inflate during an accident. It is much more likely that you will simply see the deflated air bags hanging out of their storage compartments after the collision.
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In addition to inflating in serious side collisions, side and/or curtain air bags will inflate if the sensing system detects a rollover.
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When a rollover is detected, side and/or curtain airbags will remain inflated longer. This helps provide protection from ejection, especially when used in conjunction with the seat belts.
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To help provide protection, the air bags must inflate rapidly. The airbag inflates extremely fast between the occupant and vehicle structures before the occupant impacts vehicle structures. This speed of inflation reduces the risk of serious or life-threatening injuries and is thus a necessary part of the air bag design. However, airbag inflation can also cause injuries including facial abrasions, bruises and broken bones because the rapid inflation also causes the airbags to expand with a great deal of force.
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There are even circumstances under which contact with the steering wheel or passenger air bag can cause fatal injuries, especially if the occupant is positioned excessively close to the steering wheel or passenger air bag.

Airbag inflation
Sit as far back as possible from the steering wheel while still maintaining comfortable control of your Kia. A distance of at least 10 in (25 cm) from your chest to the steering wheel is recommended. Failure to do so can result in airbag inflation injuries.
Noise and smoke
When inflated, the air bags make a loud noise and release smoke and powder in the the vehicle. This is normal and is a result of the ignition of the air bag inflator. After the air bag inflates, you may feel substantial discomfort in breathing due to the contact of your chest with both the seat belt and the air bag, as well as from breathing the smoke and powder. Open your doors and/or windows as soon as possible after impact to reduce discomfort and prevent prolonged exposure to the smoke and powder.
Though the smoke and powder are nontoxic, they may cause irritation to the skin (eyes, nose and throat, etc). Wash and rinse with cold water immediately and consult a doctor if symptoms persist.

Hot components
Do not touch the air bag storage area's internal components immediately after airbag inflation. The components in the steering wheel, instrument panel and the roof rails above the front and rear doors are very hot and can cause burn injuries.

Do not install or place any accessories near air bag deployment areas, such as the instrument panel, windows, pillars, and roof rails.