Air Bags: What They Are and Why They Matter at Meineke in Newport News
When you’re driving around Newport News—whether you’re on Jefferson Avenue or heading across the James River Bridge—safety is always the top priority. Because air bags are designed to protect you and your passengers during a crash, they’re one of the most important components in your vehicle. So, if your air bag light comes on or the system hasn’t been checked in a while, it’s time to take action.
At Meineke in Newport News, we help local drivers stay safe with expert diagnostics and air bag system inspections. In this post, we’ll explain what air bags are, how they work, why they’re critical, how to maintain them, and when to see a trusted mechanic.
What Air Bags Are
To begin, air bags are inflatable cushions that deploy during a collision to reduce the risk of injury. Even though they stay hidden most of the time, they’re built into key areas like the steering wheel, dashboard, sides, and seats.
Also, they’re part of your vehicle’s supplemental restraint system (SRS), which works together with seat belts to keep you secure during an impact. So, air bags offer an extra layer of protection when you need it most.
How Air Bags Work
Because air bags are controlled by sensors and a central computer, they respond instantly during a crash. First, impact sensors detect a sudden deceleration. Then, the system sends an electrical signal to ignite a small explosive charge, which rapidly fills the air bag with gas.
Additionally, this all happens in milliseconds—before you even realize a collision has occurred. So, the air bag cushions your body, reducing the force of impact and helping prevent serious injury.
Why Air Bags Are Important
Even though seat belts are your first line of defense, air bags significantly reduce the chance of head, neck, and chest injuries. Since they deploy in life-threatening situations, their role is crucial during moderate to severe crashes.
Also, without working air bags, you’re missing a key part of your vehicle’s built-in safety system. So, keeping the air bag system in good condition can literally save lives—especially on busy streets and highways in Newport News.
Because air bag technology has improved over time, modern systems provide smarter, more effective protection than ever before.
How to Maintain Your Air Bag System
Even though air bags aren’t part of your regular tune-up, they still require attention. So, follow these important tips to make sure your air bag system stays ready:
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Watch for the air bag warning light—it should come on briefly at startup, then turn off
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If the light stays on or blinks, have your system checked right away
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Replace the SRS control module or sensors if they’ve been damaged in a crash
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Never ignore a deployed air bag—it must be replaced immediately
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Have a trusted mechanic at Meineke in Newport News inspect your SRS during routine service
Because the air bag system is complex, only trained technicians should inspect or repair it.
When to See a Mechanic at Meineke in Newport News
Your air bag system will alert you when something isn’t right. So, schedule a visit with Meineke in Newport News if:
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The air bag light stays on or flashes
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You’ve been in a crash, even if the bags didn’t deploy
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You purchased a used car and don’t know the air bag history
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The horn or steering wheel buttons stop working (which may share wiring with the driver’s air bag)
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You notice dashboard panels that look loose, cracked, or tampered with
Since air bag problems can go unnoticed until it’s too late, a quick inspection can give you peace of mind.
So, Call Meineke in Newport News Today for Air Bag System Service
Because your air bags are essential to your vehicle’s safety system, you shouldn’t wait until a warning light appears. At Meineke in Newport News, our ASE-certified technicians use advanced diagnostics to inspect, repair, and reset air bag systems for all makes and models.
So, call us today to schedule your air bag service—because protection in a crash begins with preparation before one.
If the Meineke in Newport News is not convenient, also check out these other locally-owned Meineke locations in Virginia:
- Meineke Virginia Beach #197
6399 Indian River Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23464-3500
Call (844) 768-6004 - Meineke Virginia Beach #312
1837 Laskin Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23454-4504
Call (833) 696-8494 - Meineke Virginia Beach #2739
1321 Diamond Springs Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23455
Call (757) 687-0566 - Meineke Virginia Beach #2883
3700 Holland Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23452
Call (757) 932-2952 - Meineke Charlottesville #342
1906 Emmet Street
Charlottesville, VA 22901-2815
Call (855) 747-2083 - Meineke Hampton #584
79 West Mercury Boulevard
Hampton, VA 23669-2508
Call (757) 690-7689 - Meineke Yorktown #851
4609 George Washington Memorial Highway
Yorktown, VA 23692-2766
Call (757) 847-9155 - Meineke Williamsburg #938
399 Second Street
Williamsburg, VA 23185
Call (757) 585-4492 - Meineke Denbigh #1088
415 Oriana Road
Newport News, VA 23608
Call (757) 814-2724 - Meineke Richmond #2514
5271 S Laburnum Avenue
Richmond, VA 23231
Call (804) 222-2862