vehicle airbags?

Question

My boyfriend got into an accident around V-day in which the airbag deployed. Here's what his dad wants to do:

1. Cut out the airbag and put a metal plate in the steering wheel, then duct tape the hole.

2. Pop a hole in the airbag and shove it back in and duct tape the hole.

How do you suppose we convince him that is not safe and illegal to do? Everything we have told him he says is a crock of crap and refuses to listen.

Answer 1

First of all, it's NOT illegal. You can make any dang modification to your own vehicle you want to. Just don't try and sell it this way unless it's to a junk yard -- that IS illegal. Second, it IS safe. An airbag is nothing more than a SUPPLEMENTAL restraint device -- just like the sign says (SRS). As long as the seat belts are in working order and you are wearing them correctly you are in no more danger while driving than with the airbags intact. To the morons that answered before I did -- insurance rates will not go up, you can only get a ticket for not wearing a seatbelt, there is NO relation to the power steering and airbags. Good, Lord, don't any of you remember the days BEFORE airbags? There are still hundreds of thousands of vehicles on the road today without them. Are THEY illegal?

Answer 2

The horn will go off spontaiously.

He needs NOT to do that, things will happen that mess up the car. He'll spend more money trying to get around it, when he needs to do is, either pay to get it done correctly, because he is about to embark on a biiiig money pit.

I recently wrecked my car (My boyfriend actually did it), but the airbags deployed. And the horn honked whenever it pleased. I dont have the car anymore, because the body shop said it couldn't be fixed, but tell him that that is a dumb decision, and it will mess up the car.

The power steering may also be affected, or anything like that. Electronical things do run though there, especially the horn and that is just not a good decision at all.

I can't believe a grown man would think of that! it's a smart idea,.... but not the right now. Time to belly up, and get a new car, or get the old one fixed.

Answer 3

In a serious frontal collision, the battery is often destroyed - and the air bag system still functions because it has an immediate and temporary back up supply. Find the best method to render the system safe for your particular vehicle. If you don't have a manual, check your local library for a Haynes or Motor manual. Generally, it is safe if you disconnect the battery and wait 10 or 15 minutes - but to be sure, check the instructions for your particular vehicle. A deployed air bag - regardless of how unlikely - will surely ruin your whole day. Note: Always place the air bag assembly with the mounts down and the air bag cover up - this way it won't be launched if it inadvertently ignites.

Answer 4

I would second CowboyBill on that. You don't have to have airbags, and millions of cars don't. I wouldn't say it would be exactly as safe as with airbag, but the difference is not that big IMO. And considering replacing airbags costs several thousand dollars - I can understand your bf dad.

Answer 5

It's not safe, but it's not illegal in any state that I know of. Airbags are not required safety equipment, so you can remove or disable them if you like. Only the seatbelts are required by law.

Answer 6

Show him how much more his insurance will cost if the car is supposed to have a working air bag - and mention that the insurance won't cover anything at all if they were not told in advance. Air bags reduce your insurance premium - if you don't tell them, they will claim insurance fraud (which it is) and refuse all claims - medical, all vehicles in the accident, and the person, fancy sports car and/or building that he hits. Replacing the airbag is much cheaper - not to mention safer. If he can afford all these expenses, then he can afford the air bag.

Answer 7

when he gots stoped by the cops he will see they are not paying

Answer 8

not illegal but dumb