Recent media coverage of ongoing airbag recalls has placed renewed focus on one of the most important safety systems in modern vehicles. The South African Motor Body Repairers’ Association (SAMBRA) is urging motorists not to ignore recall notices.

Airbag recall repairs are carried out at no cost to the consumer, but delaying the work could have serious consequences if the vehicle is involved in a collision.

“Modern airbag systems are incredibly sophisticated pieces of safety technology, but they can only protect occupants if every component is functioning exactly as designed,” says Juan Hanekom, National Director of SAMBRA.

“If your manufacturer contacts you about an airbag recall, don’t delay.”

“Most people think an airbag simply explodes out of the steering wheel during a crash,” says Hanekom/ “The reality is that modern airbag systems analyse multiple pieces of information and make life-saving decisions in milliseconds. That level of sophistication also means these systems should never be ignored if a vehicle is recalled, and they should never be repaired by anyone without the correct expertise.”

Many motorists are unaware that the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), commonly referred to as the airbag system, is continuously monitoring the vehicle long before a collision occurs. It analyses information from multiple sensors throughout the vehicle. “These systems do not rely on a single trigger,” Hanekom explains.

“The control unit analyses all of this information together before deciding whether airbags should deploy and how they should deploy.” He says contrary to widespread belief, airbags do not all deploy with the same force.

Modern systems can determine whether deployment is necessary; which airbags should deploy; how quickly they inflate; how much gas is released and whether one or both stages of a dual-stage inflator are activated.

Today airbag sensors can accurately determine the severity of the crash. Hanekom says a typical airbag response would sense a minor impact and not deploy. In a moderate impact, the control unit may activate only the first stage of a dual-stage inflator. During a severe impact it may activate both stages to provide maximum occupant protection.

“This adaptive deployment helps provide the appropriate level of protection for different crash conditions while reducing the risk of unnecessary airbag-related injuries in lower-severity collisions,” he says.

Why sound matters.

Some manufacturers supplement conventional crash sensors with acoustic sensors that detect the sound frequencies created when vehicle structures deform during a collision. These sensors can detect metal deformation; structural failure; glass breakage and side intrusion.

“The additional information can help the control unit react within approximately 20 to 30 milliseconds of detecting a severe impact,” says Hanekom. “That is an extraordinarily short period of time, but in a serious collision it can make a critical difference and save your life.”

Why recalls should never be ignored.

“An airbag is part of an integrated safety system. Simply replacing a deployed airbag is not enough. Every component of the Supplemental Restraint System – including crash sensors, seat belt pretensioners, the airbag control module, wiring, impact sensors, and occupant detection systems where fitted – must be inspected and replaced or recalibrated in accordance with the manufacturer’s repair procedures.

Modern vehicles often integrate the SRS with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). Following a collision, both systems may require recalibration to ensure they function correctly in future emergencies.

“Modern collision repair extends far beyond replacing damaged panels. It includes restoring sophisticated safety systems that protect occupants during future collisions. Choosing an accredited repairer gives motorists confidence that these critical systems are restored according to manufacturer specifications.”