How Does an Airbag Restrain?

In moderate to severe frontal or near frontal collisions, even belted occupants can contact the steering wheel or the instrument panel. In moderate to severe side collisions, even belted occupants can contact the inside of the vehicle.

Airbags supplement the protection provided by safety belts by distributing the force of the impact more evenly over the occupant's body.

But airbags would not help in many types of collisions, primarily because the occupant's motion is not toward those airbags. See When Should an Airbag Inflate? for more information.

Airbags should never be regarded as anything more than a supplement to safety belts.

    See also:

    Fuses and Circuit Breakers
    The wiring circuits in the vehicle are protected from short circuits by a combination of fuses and circuit breakers. This greatly reduces the chance of damage caused by electrical problems. ...

    How to Check Power Steering Fluid
    Check the level after the vehicle has been driven for at least 20 minutes so the fluid is warm. To check the power steering fluid: 1. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF and let the engine compartme ...

    What to Add
    If the vehicle has DOT 3 brake fluid, as indicated on the reservoir cap, use only new DOT 3 brake fluid from a sealed container. See Recommended Fluids and Lubricants . If the vehicle has DOT 4 b ...