What Airbags Are and Why They Matter at Meineke in University Place
In University Place, drivers travel from Bridgeport Way to Cirque Drive every day, facing busy intersections and unpredictable traffic. Therefore, your vehicle’s safety systems must always work their best to protect you. Because airbags are one of the most important safety features, keeping them in top condition is essential.
At Meineke in University Place, we know airbags save lives when seconds count. So, here’s everything you need to know about your airbags—what they are, how they work, why they matter, how to maintain them, and when to visit our trusted team.
What Airbags Are
To start, airbags are inflatable safety cushions built into your steering wheel, dashboard, and sometimes your vehicle’s sides. Because they are part of the supplemental restraint system, they work alongside seatbelts to protect you during a crash.
Additionally, airbags inflate in milliseconds to cushion your head and upper body from impact. Therefore, they help reduce the risk of serious injury in any collision.
So, How Airbags Work
First, sensors in your vehicle detect a sudden stop or impact. Then, those sensors send a signal to the airbag control unit.
Next, the control unit triggers an inflator that quickly fills the airbag with gas. As a result, the bag inflates almost instantly to absorb the crash’s force. Finally, the airbag deflates quickly so you can move and exit the vehicle safely.
Because the process happens in less than a second, your airbags must always be ready to function.
So, Why Airbags Are Important
Clearly, airbags play a critical role in protecting drivers and passengers. For starters, they absorb crash forces to reduce the risk of head, neck, and chest injuries.
Additionally, they keep you from hitting the steering wheel, dashboard, or side windows. Furthermore, they work with seatbelts to improve safety in both front-end and side-impact crashes.
Since accidents in University Place can happen even at low speeds, having fully functional airbags is essential.
So, How to Maintain Your Airbags
Fortunately, keeping your airbags reliable is simple when you follow these steps:
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Always have the system inspected after any accident, even a small one.
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Regularly check that the airbag warning light comes on when you start your car and then turns off.
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Replace airbag components right away if the warning light stays on or blinks.
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Avoid tampering with areas that store airbags, like the steering wheel or dashboard.
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Schedule safety inspections at Meineke in University Place to confirm the system is working.
Because regular care ensures your airbags are ready when needed, these checks should be part of your routine maintenance.
When to See a Mechanic at Meineke in University Place
Although airbags don’t need constant attention, certain signs mean you should schedule service. So, visit Meineke in University Place if:
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Suddenly, your airbag warning light stays on or flashes.
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Recently, your car was in a crash, even if the airbags didn’t deploy.
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Lately, you’ve noticed damage to the steering wheel or dashboard.
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Consistently, your seatbelts or other safety features fail to work.
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After a repair, your steering wheel feels loose or different.
Since airbags protect you in emergencies, fixing problems right away can prevent dangerous failures.
So, Call Meineke in University Place Today for a Safety Check
Because your airbags safeguard you in a crash, they deserve expert care all year. At Meineke in University Place, our ASE-certified technicians inspect, repair, and replace airbag systems correctly.
Whether you’re commuting on Bridgeport Way or heading out for a weekend drive, we’ll make sure your airbags are ready when you need them.
So, call Meineke in University Place today for a quick check-up—and drive with confidence knowing your safety systems are prepared.
If the Meineke in University Place is not convenient, also check out these other locally-owned Meineke locations in Washington:
Meineke Car Care Center – North Meridian
433 North Meridian
Puyallup, WA 98371
253-848-2532
Meineke Car Care Center – South Meridian
4021 South Meridian
Puyallup, WA 98373
253-845-2153
Meineke Car Care Center – State Ave
10501 State Ave
Marysville, WA 98271
360-658-4263
Meineke Car Care Center – Firdale Ave
23900 Firdale Ave
Edmonds, WA 98020
206-533-0072
Meineke Car Care Center – Logan Ave South
64 Logan Avenue South
Renton, WA 98057
425-255-8802
Meineke Car Care Center – Holgate Street
465 South Holgate Street
Seattle, WA 98134
206-324-4660
Meineke Car Care Center – 35th Avenue SW
9201 35th Avenue SW
West Seattle, WA
98126
206-759-3020
Meineke Car Care Center – 6th Avenue
3024 6th Avenue
Tacoma, WA 98406
253-627-6168
Meineke Car Care Center – Bridgeport Way
2701 Bridgeport Way West
University Place, WA 98466
253-564-5110
Meineke Car Care Center – 4th Avenue East
517 4th Avenue East
Olympia, WA 98501
360-357-8995
Meineke Car Care Center – Tacoma Way
8724 South Tacoma Way
Lakewood, WA 98499
253-581-1226
Meineke Car Care in University Place, WA
