Can Airbags Be Added Aftermarket?

[McWeston]

If the vehicle has reserved space for adding airbags, they can be installed; otherwise, it is not possible. It is important to note that installing airbags requires applying for registration with the vehicle management office, and the installation can only proceed after approval. Otherwise, it will be considered an illegal modification. Once confirmed that the installation is permissible, qualified departments must carry out the installation. Electronic safety airbags (electronic-control-of-safety-airbag) are a passive safety protection system (see vehicle safety performance). When used in conjunction with seat belts, they provide effective collision protection for occupants. In the event of a collision, airbags can reduce head injuries by 25% and facial injuries by approximately 80%. Aftermarket airbags are generally less stable and reliable than factory-installed ones. This is because factory installations undergo rigorous testing, adjusting deployment speed and timing based on different speeds and collision scenarios. If a vehicle with aftermarket airbags is involved in a major accident resulting in injuries or fatalities, insurance companies may deny claims on the grounds of unauthorized safety equipment modifications. Additionally, installing airbags increases costs and requires high technical expertise, which most regular 4S shops or repair shops lack. Selection Considerations: Choose airbags that have passed national safety inspections, are certified by relevant authorities, and are covered by insurance. Inspect the airbag surroundings for wear, oil stains, or dust. Worn components may cause the airbag to fail to deploy or deploy too slowly during an accident, compromising safety. Installation Considerations: Do not use simple tools like test lights, voltmeters, or ohmmeters. Instead, use a high-impedance multimeter to test the airbag system circuits and SRS warning light. Disassembly must only begin after turning off the ignition and disconnecting the negative battery terminal for at least 20 seconds. Do not leave airbags unattended. Store them with the cushioning side facing upward. Storing them face down may cause accidental deployment and serious accidents. Never place any objects on the airbag assembly. If the inflator module falls from a height exceeding 90mm, it should not be reused. To prevent damage, keep the airbag assembly away from oil, grease, cleaning agents, and water. Even after a minor collision where the airbag system was not triggered, inspect components such as the steering wheel pad, front passenger airbag assembly, seatbelt pretensioners, and airbag sensors. All vehicles come with airbags, but higher-end models typically have more airbags than lower-end ones. For example, basic models may only include driver and front passenger airbags (2 total), while mid-to-high-end vehicles may have 4-8 airbags. Airbag locations are generally fixed and include: knee airbags, driver airbag, passenger airbag, seat-side airbags, curtain airbags (CAB), rear side airbags, and seatbelt airbags (7 types in total).