Understanding Airbags: How They Keep You Safe on the Road When it comes to vehicle safety, airbags are one of the most important features your car has. Most of us know they “pop out” in a crash, but have you ever wondered how they actually work—or why they're so important? At Faithful Auto and Truck Repair, we believe informed drivers are safer drivers. Here’s a simple breakdown of how airbags protect you and your passengers. What Are Airbags? Airbags are soft, fabric cushions that inflate in a split second during certain types of collisions. Their job? To absorb impact and reduce injury by acting as a buffer between you and the hard surfaces in your vehicle—like the steering wheel, dashboard, and windows. How Do Airbags Work? Your car is equipped with sensors that detect sudden stops or crashes. If the impact is severe enough, those sensors trigger the airbag system. A tiny explosive charge fills the airbag with gas (usually nitrogen or argon) in just milliseconds. Sensors Detect a Crash: Your vehicle has crash sensors that monitor sudden deceleration (like in a collision). Signal Sent: If the impact is severe enough, the sensors send a signal to the airbag control unit. Inflation: The airbag system ignites a small explosive charge that rapidly fills the airbag with a gas (usually nitrogen or argon) in about 0.03 seconds. Cushioning Effect: The airbag inflates to create a cushion between you and hard surfaces like the steering wheel, dashboard, or windshield. Deflation: Right after inflation, the bag deflates through small vents to absorb the energy of your body and allow movement. Once deployed, the airbag cushions your body, especially your head, neck, and chest. After doing its job, it deflates quickly through small vents—reducing the risk of rebound injuries. Types of Airbags in Today’s Vehicles Modern vehicles have multiple airbags placed throughout the cabin: Front Airbags – For the driver and front passenger. Standard in all cars since 1999. Side Airbags – Built into doors or seats to protect your torso in a side impact. Curtain Airbags – Drop down from above the windows to protect your head. Knee Airbags – Help prevent leg injuries in a frontal crash. Rear Airbags – Found in some newer models to protect backseat passengers. Airbags + Seat Belts = Maximum Safety One of the biggest safety misconceptions is that airbags replace seat belts. Not true! Airbags are designed to work with seat belts—not take their place. Without a seat belt, the force of an airbag alone can actually cause more harm than good. Always buckle up. Maintenance Tips While airbags don’t require regular maintenance, it's still a good idea to: Check your dashboard for the airbag warning light—if it's on, something's wrong. Have your airbag system inspected after an accident, even if it didn’t deploy. Keep kids under 13 in the back seat with proper restraints. Another important safety tip people often don't think about...Keep your feet off the dash while the vehicle is moving. The airbag can deploy upwards to 200mph. At Faithful Auto and Truck Repair, we care about more than just keeping your car running—we want to keep you and your family safe. If your airbag warning light is on or you’ve recently been in an accident, stop by and let us take a look. We’re happy to answer any questions and give you peace of mind. Need an inspection or vehicle safety check? Call us today or schedule online—we’re here to help! https://youtu.be/WeczLrC91ow

What Is Wheel Alignment? Wheel alignment involves adjusting the angles of the wheels so that they are perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other. The primary alignment angles are: Camber: The inward or outward tilt of the wheel when viewed from the front. Toe: The extent to which the wheels turn inward or outward when viewed from above. Caster: The angle of the steering axis when viewed from the side of the vehicle. These adjustments ensure optimal contact between the tires and the road, promoting even tire wear and stable handling. Why Is Wheel Alignment Important? Enhanced Safety : Proper alignment ensures that your vehicle handles correctly, reducing the risk of accidents caused by poor steering response or uneven braking. Improved Fuel Efficiency: Misaligned wheels can cause your tires to drag, increasing rolling resistance and decreasing fuel efficiency. Correct alignment minimizes this resistance, improving gas mileage. Extended Tire Life : Misalignment leads to uneven tire wear, necessitating premature replacement. Regular alignment checks help ensure even wear, extending the lifespan of your tires. Reduced Strain on Suspension Components : Proper alignment reduces stress on your vehicle's suspension system, preventing premature wear and costly repairs. Smoother Ride : Aligned wheels contribute to a smoother driving experience by eliminating vibrations and ensuring the vehicle tracks straight. Signs Your Vehicle May Need an Alignment: Vehicle pulls to one side while driving. Uneven or rapid tire wear. Steering wheel is off-center when driving straight. Steering wheel vibrates or feels loose. After hitting a pothole or curb. When Should You Get a Wheel Alignment? It's recommended to have your wheel alignment checked: Every 6,000 miles or as specified in your vehicle's owner manual. After installing new tires. Following a significant impact, like hitting a pothole or curb. If you notice any of the signs mentioned above. Regular wheel alignment is essential for maintaining your vehicle's performance, safety, and efficiency. By ensuring your wheels are properly aligned, you can enjoy a smoother ride, save on fuel, and extend the life of your tires and suspension components. https://youtu.be/C43_CC4otVU

Discover expert under hood car care tips at Faithful Auto & Truck Repair in North Branch, MI. Enhance engine performance & longevity. Visit us today!

Discover expert diesel maintenance tips at Faithful Auto & Truck Repair, North Branch, MI. Optimize performance and longevity. Visit us today!

Get expert preventive maintenance at Faithful Auto & Truck Repair in North Branch, MI. Protect your vehicle’s performance. Schedule an appointment today!

Get expert transmission overhaul services at Faithful Auto & Truck Repair in North Branch, MI. ASE certified, nationwide warranty. Schedule your service today!