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Supplementary Restraint Systems (SRS) Airbags: Types and Functionality

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Supplementary restraint systems (SRS) airbags protect passengers and drivers in the car by controlling the automatic airbags, seat belts, and restraints. They are meant to offer protection in case of any collision.

The SRS in airbags have been designed uniquely for detecting deceleration, impact location, and braking. They will determine the presence of a passenger in the vehicle and then automatically activate it. The system gathers all the information, inflates the airbags, and tightens the seat belts, protecting you against significant damage.

The airbags will only inflate if the sensors detect and notify about the impact. However, it will also understand how soon or heavy the intensity of the collision is. Different types of SRS airbags are available in the car, which can help determine the cost of comprehensive car insurance you apply for. Therefore, research and consider all factors before making the final choice.

Different Types of SRS Airbags

When it comes to choosing an airbag, it is important that you understand the type of SRS airbag you want. Different types of SRS airbags are available in the market, each providing a different kind of functionality.

Some of the prominent types of Supplementary Restraint Systems airbags available in the market are as follows:

1. Driver airbags:

These are located right on the steering wheel. Their main purpose is to protect the driver's head and chest.

2. Side curtain airbags:

These are unique airbags meant to protect the driver against any impact from the sides of the vehicle. The side curtain airbags are immediately inflated and drop from the ceiling. Unlike traditional airbags, the main purpose of side curtain airbags is to protect the head during a collision.

3. Inflatable seat belt airbags:

Inflatable seat belt airbags are a unique kind of airbag that only opens when there's an accidental force over a wider area. They protect the driver's overall body.

4. Passenger airbags:

Passenger airbags protect passengers from injury. They are usually designed to protect the drivers, but they protect passengers only. These airbags are available on the dashboard in front of the car.

5. Knee bolster airbags:

The lower part of your body is also prone to significant damage during any accident. Therefore, knee bolster airbags have been designed to protect this part of the body. They protect not only the driver but also the front-seat passengers.

Apart from these, there are some other types of airbags. Some of these include the following:

1. Seat-mounted airbags:

These are located outside the driver's seat. The main purpose of seat-mounted airbags is to protect the ones sitting in the car, especially the passengers.

2. Pedestrian airbags:

The pedestrian airbags are located outside the vehicle and are meant to reduce the impact on the head due to collision. Therefore, it plays a key role in reducing the severity of the impact due to accidents.

3. Rear mirror airbags:

The rear mirror airbags, as the names suggest, are located near the rearview mirror. In case of accidents, it acts as a cushion for both the passengers and the drivers.

4. Rear seat centre airbags:

The rear seat centre airbags aim to protect the passengers seated on the rear side of the vehicle. The typical location of this is usually between the two rear seats of the vehicle.

It is advisable to ensure that all these unique features are available in your car. This is important in getting the best car insurance and protecting the vehicle. Therefore, in case of any accidents or unfortunate events, you can file the claims and then get your hands on the best one.

How Does the SRS System Work?

The SRS in airbags works depending on the signals it receives from the sensor based on the seriousness of the deceleration. It is important that you ensure that the SRS systems of the vehicle you choose are working fine. Based on that, you can reach out to a reliable insurance company to buy comprehensive car insurance.

Now, for the proper working of the SRS system, the sensors that are responsible are as follows:

• Speed sensor

• Brake pressure sensor

• Seat occupation sensor

• Door pressure sensor

• Gyroscope sensor

• Acceleration sensor

The airbags will inflate and come into action only if a force 20 times greater than the gravitational force is applied. If the sensors detect any deceleration, it will send a signal to the electronic control unit, which is connected to the airbag. Once the signals are received in case of an accident, the following actions will be carried out:

1. The central control unit will send an alert to the inflator.

2. The chemical reaction will begin with the inflator, which will lead to the nitrogen gas to explode.

3. As the airbags get filled with gas, they will explode from the panel that was holding it in. Usually, the panel is the dashboard for front airbags. Upon exploding, it will act like a layer of cushioned protection for the passenger. For the airbags to fully inflate, it will take around 0.03 seconds.

4. After the collision has subsided, the airbags will start deflating.

There are specific risk factors associated with the SRS airbags; however, they are one of the most important components in the car. While there's a slight risk of getting injured due to the airbags, if you don't have one in your vehicle, there's a higher risk of being involved in an accident. Therefore, having SRS airbags in your vehicle can protect you against the risk of death due to accidents.

Some car insurance companies consider these safety components as a factor in the vehicle before determining the insurance premium. It is advisable that you check this feature in your car before making the decision.

Conclusion

The SRS systems have become a major requirement in the car especially to determine its safety. Whenever you are setting out to purchase a car, it is important that you thoroughly check the SRS system and how it is installed in the car. Ensure that the SRS is working fine so as to avoid any major charges. Moreover, once you purchase a car with SRS airbags, invest in good vehicle insurance to protect the vehicle.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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