Explosive Devices in Cars

[Nereus]

I guess that we all know that modern cars have some form of explosive to deploy the airbags in the event of an accident.
But do you realise just how many explosive devices might be lurking in your car? Do you know how safe these things are? What is their expected lifespan and what to do when the device gets to the end of its recommended life?

There is also a lot of controversy concerning the benefits or otherwise of airbags. It is a well know fact that some of them can cause serious injury, especially to small children, and even maybe to small framed adults.

The latest one I have just found out about is a small explosive device placed on the + terminal of a car battery, designed to explode and disconnect the battery in the event of an accident. These things are supposedly safe to handle, but it is possible to have one explode in your face through not knowing about it.

Below is a copy of an article I just read:
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"Last night and tonight, John and I are in class learning about explosives. Yup, all cars today use small amounts of explosives to tighten up the seat belts, deploy the air bags and some vehicles separate the positive battery cable, especially Hybrids. If you drive a 2006 or newer model you have one of these enhanced systems. This means that a computer is making a judgment call as to which components will be fired; seat belt only, air bag and belt, stage one or two air bags, head rests, steering columns, rollover protection (side curtains) and/or positive battery cable.

Here are some things you should know about SRS (Supplemental Restraint System).

The manufacturer of your vehicle has to guarantee that the air bag deploys correctly for 10 years. After that time period the air bag most likely will deploy on impact but the condition of the stored (folded for 10+ hot summers and very cold winters) air bag may be in question.

Never tap into or repair any circuit with the bright yellow wires. These safety system harnesses can only be replaced when damaged.

Whenever any part of a SRS system has been deployed, be it seat belt or air bag, the computer has recorded the basics of the accident. That computer and deployed devices must be replaced.

Have you been in a vehicle that deployed the air bags? What was your experiences?"

source: http://goseemymechanic.com/air-bags-and ... e-devices/