Does Installing Steering Wheel Trim Affect the Airbag in a Cruze?
1 Answers
When a car collision occurs, the airbag system is highly effective in protecting the safety of the driver and passengers. The center of our steering wheel houses the airbag, but there are no visible openings. So, how does it deploy from the steering wheel? To be precise, the airbag doesn't just pop out—it rapidly inflates due to an internal explosive charge, bursting through pre-designed weak points in the steering wheel or dashboard. Therefore, there's no need to scrutinize the seams on the steering wheel; they have no relevance to the airbag's deployment. Contrary to what most people imagine, the airbag doesn't feel like a comfortable cushion upon deployment. In reality, being struck by a deploying airbag is quite painful, and this is assuming you're wearing a seatbelt. Estimates suggest that an airbag deploys at roughly 320 km/h, generating an impact force of about 180 kg—equivalent to two heavy individuals jumping and landing on your face. The sudden impact of the airbag can easily leave you bruised, and if you wear glasses, it will likely break the frames. Additionally, the heat from the explosive charge may cause minor burns to your skin. Airbags must be used in conjunction with seatbelts to achieve maximum protective effectiveness. Without a seatbelt, the collision's force can propel the body forward abruptly, leading to a violent impact with the rapidly inflating airbag, potentially causing severe injuries to vulnerable body parts or the collision area. Moreover, without the restraint of a seatbelt, the airbag may not deploy in perfect alignment with the body. The intense deceleration during a crash could still cause occupants to be struck by the airbag in a 'side hook' manner before continuing forward, shattering the windshield or windows and being ejected from the vehicle.
