BC Drivers: Understanding Different Airbags in Ford Vehicles

While airbags became mandatory in the United States in 1998, it may come as a surprise to learn that they are not required to be installed inside vehicles in Canada. However, most new cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs have them anyway.

There are many different types of airbags that are designed to cushion occupants in the event of a crash. The most common kind is the frontal unit. Mounted inside the steering wheel and dashboard, the frontal airbags prevent the driver and passenger from slamming their heads into the hard object in front of them. They also typically come with a weight sensor (pictured) to detect when an adult is sitting in the front passenger seat. If no person is detected, the airbag will not deploy.

Next is the side airbag. These come in two subtypes: side torso and side curtain. The torso model is embedded into the side of the seat and inflates between the driver and the door. Meanwhile, the curtain version has been hidden in the roof and extends down to protect the riders’ heads.

Then, there are also knee airbags. Installed underneath the steering wheel, they deploy from under the dash to guard the driver’s knees. Finally, the newest type is the inflatable seatbelt. Designed to disperse the impact of a crash, the accident won’t feel as severe.

Contact Ford Parts BC to get a new airbag sensor!