General information
The airbags, in combination with the automatic tensioners of the three-anchor belts (see above), form the supplemental safety system of the vehicle (SRS).
The system is activated only when the ignition is turned on.
On all models equipped with steering wheel hub airbags and (with appropriate equipment) on the right side of the instrument panel there are warning signs with the inscription "Airbag".
Airbags do not deploy:
- In case of side impacts;
- Rear-end collisions;
- Car rollover;
- Minor head-on collisions.
For this reason, you should not consider airbags as an alternative to seat belts and should wear them on every trip without fail.
The components of the airbag system include:
- Electronic Control Unit (ECU);
- One or two inflatable pillows with a built-in gas generator;
- Control lamp on the car's instrument panel.
The driver's airbag module is located in the steering wheel hub, and the passenger's airbag module is located in the right side of the instrument panel.
The serviceability of the system components is confirmed by the brief operation of the instrument panel control lamp when the ignition is turned on.
Airbags do not require any maintenance throughout their/the vehicle's entire service life.
Signs of a faulty airbag system include the following:
- When the ignition is turned on, the corresponding indicator lamp in the instrument panel does not light up;
- The indicator light does not go out after a few seconds of starting the engine;
- The indicator light comes on or starts flashing while driving.
In each of the listed cases, the car should be taken to a service station at the first opportunity for a detailed diagnosis of the system using special equipment.
Material is available on the website: SkodaBook.ru
Operating principle
The design of the airbags is such that the gas generators are activated only in the event of a severe frontal impact.
The diagram of the sensitivity of the initiators is shown in the illustration.
When the gas generator is activated, the airbag inflates with gas in a fraction of a second and fills the free space between the steering wheel/instrument panel and the driver/front passenger, minimizing the latter's freedom of movement.
In the latest years of production, airbags additionally provide the ability to automatically and controlled release of gas from the working container as the overload increases, which allows the impact to be significantly softened.
Precautionary measures
In models equipped with airbags, avoid leaning too close to the steering wheel/instrument panel and pay special attention to the correct adjustment of the front seats. To avoid accidental activation of the initiators, do not tamper with the system components.
Note: When handing over a car equipped with airbags to a scrap yard, it is necessary to take measures against spontaneous activation of the modules. Consult with car service specialists.