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 in order 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 upon 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 crash or collision situations. Air bag deployment depends on a number of 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 air bags will remain inflated longer. This helps provide protection from ejection, especially when used in conjunction with the seat belts.
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In order to help provide protection, the air bags must inflate rapidly. The air bag inflates extremely fast between the occupant and the vehicle structures before the occupant impacts the 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, air bag inflation can also cause injuries which can include facial abrasions, bruises and broken bones. This is because the rapid inflation also causes the air bags 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.
Air bag inflation
Sit as far back as possible from the steering wheel while still maintaining comfortable control of the vehicle. 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 air bag inflation injuries to the driver.
Noise and smoke
When inflated, the air bags make a loud noise and leave smoke and powder in the air inside 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 in order to reduce discomfort and prevent prolonged exposure to the smoke and powder.
Though smoke and powder are nontoxic, it may cause irritation to the skin (eyes, nose, throat and so on). If this is the case, wash and rinse with cold water immediately and consult a doctor if the symptom persists.
Hot components
Do not touch the air bag storage area's internal components immediately after air bag inflation. The air bag related parts in the steering wheel, instrument panel and the roof rails above the front and rear doors are very hot. Hot components can result in burn injuries.
Do not install or place accessories over the air bag's location or in areas where the air bags will extend if deployed. They can interfere with the air bag or harm occupants during a deployment and can cause serious injury or death.