Whether an airbag deploys depends on what you hit, the direction of impact and the speed – not just how fast you were going. If the car's body absorbs the impact, airbags may not deploy; in other cases they may. So you can't judge from the damage whether an airbag should have gone off.
They may deploy
- In a frontal crash where deceleration passes the design threshold: driver, front passenger and driver knee airbags.
- In a strong side impact detected by the side sensors: side, curtain and front middle airbags.
- Even without a collision, if the underside of the car takes a serious impact: driver, front passenger, front side, curtain and front middle airbags.
They usually won't deploy
- Driver, front passenger and knee airbags: in side or rear impacts, rollovers or low-speed frontal crashes. They may also not deploy if the front hits a pole, the car goes under a lorry, or the impact is at an angle.
- Side, curtain and front middle airbags: in impacts to the side behind the rear wheel, side impacts at certain angles, frontal or rear impacts, rollovers or low-speed side impacts.
Limits of airbags
Caution:Airbags don't protect the lower body. They aren't designed for rear impacts, minor frontal impacts or rollovers, and don't deploy under emergency braking. They inflate and deflate in an instant, so they can't protect against a second impact.
Caution:Airbags deflate quickly so the driver's view isn't blocked. Parts get hot after deployment – don't touch them straight away.
Caution:Deployment releases smoke and dust that can irritate people with asthma or breathing problems. Get everyone out quickly or open the windows, and seek medical help if needed.
Caution:Airbags work only once. After deployment the airbag parts must be replaced. Even if they didn't deploy, a collision can damage the system, so have it checked by an authorised Jaecoo service centre as soon as possible.