Though we don’t see them under normal circumstances, when there is an accident happens in a car, the airbags will blow up quicker than the blink of an eye.
Airbags are one of the most valuable features of your car safety systems. They mitigate collisions by shielding the passengers from hitting the dashboard, steering wheel, front glass, and other parts of the car.
That is why all cars must have airbags installed, according to the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard. They are vital to lessening injuries and casualties during a road accident. If you’ve been in an accident and your airbags have been deployed, you will need to replace your airbag to use the vehicle again.But how much does it cost to replace airbags?
Average Cost of Airbag
If you want your airbags to be installed by a professional, the replacement cost could be around $1,000 to $6,000, with an average of $3,000. These costs will vary depend upon the car’s year, and model and make.
You need to consider the parts associated with airbag installation. For instance, the electronic control unit, the springs, the sensors, dashboard, windshield, the instrument panel, and the steering wheel are all parts to be considered.
However, the labor charge will be around $30 to $90 per hour. The installation usually takes 3 hours; so the overall cost runs around $3,898.
If you have a car insurance, it should cover the replacement of your airbags. So, you should check the policies of the company to ensure you will be obtaining your rights as a beneficiary.
The cost also depends on the kind of the airbags that need to be replaced. Check out the types of airbags below.
Front Airbags:
Front airbags are contained inside the dashboard and in the steering wheel where momentum and collision forces are likely to be the highest. These are intended to cushion the driver and passenger in the front seat if there is a crash. The replacing front airbag will be approximately $200 to $700. And it can be higher, depending on the make and model of the vehicle at its year.
Side Airbags:
Side airbags, also known as torso airbags, are attached to the side of the car’s seat. They are intended to shield the body from a collision on the side. Surprisingly, the side airbags price is higher than the front airbags. They usually cost $400 to $1,300 or more.
Knee Airbags:
Knee airbags are fixed on the dashboard’s lower edge. These bags keep the passenger’s legs from hitting the dash or from striking the bits underneath it. The price is approximately $200 to $1,300.
Side Curtain Airbags:
Typically, side curtain airbags are fixed to the vehicle’s roof, on top of the windows. They deploy downward and cover the car’s windows like curtains when there is a rollover or side crash.
Unlike most airbags that shrink immediately, side curtain keeps pumped up for a few seconds to increase the protection. But just like knee airbags, they are less common and is approximately around $125 to $1,300.
Inflatable Seat Belts:
Inflatable seatbelts have a little airbag fixed on the shoulder strap of the seatbelt; Ford usually has them. The airbag blows up to spread the pressure diagonally across the passenger’s chest. In a recent development, inflatable seatbelts for the rear-seat have been proposed for some vehicles. Online, these are available for around $85 or more.
How to Ensure Protection with Airbags
Airbags can protect you from injuries caused by car accidents if they operate correctly and the passengers do their part. Below are some tips to ensure that airbags function to the best of their abilities.
Sit in the Proper Seat
Front airbags are made for the average adult. For kids, they are safest when they sit at the back or middle of the car with the appropriate child safety seat. These will offer additional protection, especially for infants when there is a crash. Even adults must sit properly when in the front seat, which is as far back as possible.
Wear a Seatbelt
Airbag safety for children denotes relaxing in the back seat, yet protection for every car passenger requires using a car’s seatbelt. Remember that these belts are can help a casualty in a collision.
Be Observant About Your Warning Lights
Bear in mind that there is no place for shortcuts when it is about your safety and the safety of others on board. Contact your preferred auto mechanic to make an inspection of your airbag system and know if it is working properly..
Have Your Airbags Examined
Typically, airbags that are deployed during a crash are not meant to be used again. Without airbags, the security of your car is compromised even the rest of your car is working well. Therefore, it must be examined and replaced by an expert after a crash.
Work with Your Repair Technician
There is no place for shortcuts when it is about your safety and the security of others on board. Contact your preferred auto mechanic to inspect your airbag system and ascertain if it is working properly.
Conclusion
Don’t be shocked at the cost figures. What is most important is your protection against road accidents. It is recommended you get an expert who can do the airbag replacement or installation.
If you plan to purchase a second-hand vehicle, talk to the dealer and ask if the airbags have been adjusted, updated, or tested. Some former owners don’t know if the airbags are still working very well because they never had a chance to use it. So, be cautious.