Airbag life expectancy

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Nov 14, 2006 | 11:38 AM

mikebon08

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From: Wichita, KS

Airbag life expectancy

I have a 1995 Mercury Tracer, bought new. I got to wondering the other day, as I slammed on my brakes to avoid hitting some lughead that pulled out of a store right in front of me, if the airbags in my car would still work after 11 1/2 years. For how long are they expected to remain usable? There's a couple other gadgets on the car that don't work any more.

Nov 14, 2006 | 10:24 PM

Torque1st

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You could always test them with some concrete bridge abutment...

I wonder if insurance companies have data on that?

Nov 14, 2006 | 10:39 PM

Hootbro

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10-15 years is the expected shelf-life of airbags. It escapes me which vehicle I had were the owners manual recommended that the airbags be inspected every 10 years.

http://www.innovations-report.com/ht...ort-39971.html

Nov 15, 2006 | 09:56 AM

osbornk

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The airbag system runs a test every time you turn on the ignition and if the light goes off, it tested OK.

Nov 15, 2006 | 08:55 PM

Hootbro

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Quote:

Originally Posted by osbornk

The airbag system runs a test every time you turn on the ignition and if the light goes off, it tested OK.

That only checks the electronics. Eventualy the initiator, propellant and integrity of the physical bag can degrade over time. Just because a 15 year old car passes the self test, does not mean it will be sound.

Hootbro

Nov 15, 2006 | 08:58 PM

BigF350

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10 years - and they are supposed to be replaced as a servicable item... yet to ever see a car get them replaced as a servicable item though.

Nov 16, 2006 | 11:28 AM

mikebon08

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Probably because the airbags will cost twice what a 10-year-old car is worth....

I did some quick checks on the 'net looking for replacement airbags. None of the places I found have posted prices, you have to ask for a quote.