Side airbags (VW Touareg 1)

Side airbags are located in the driver's seat (fig. 1.102) and in other seats. The locations of the side airbags are indicated by the inscription "AIRBAG" on the upper part of the seat back upholstery.



Side airbags, together with seat belts, provide additional protection for the upper body of the driver and passengers in side collisions.

In side impacts, the likelihood of injury to the driver and front passenger on the side of the impact is reduced. In addition to their primary protective function, seat belts ensure that the driver and passengers in the outer seats are positioned in a side impact in such a way that the effectiveness of the protective action of the airbags is maximal.

The side airbags do not deploy when:

• ignition off;
• light side impacts;
• mild frontal impacts;
• impacts to the rear of the car;
• car overturning.

The side airbag system includes:

• electronic control unit;
• side airbags on the outer sides of the front and rear seats;
• signal lamp in the instrument panel.

The performance of the airbag system is constantly monitored. After the ignition is turned on, the signal lamp lights up for a few seconds (self-diagnosis).

Action of the side airbags

Side airbags deploy in the event of severe side impacts on the side where the impact occurs (fig. 1.103).



In certain types of accidents, frontal, side and window airbags deploy.

When the system is activated, the air bags of the cushions are filled with a special gas.

The air bag fills at high speed in a matter of seconds, which ensures reliable protection. When the air bag is emptied, some dust appears. This is quite normal and should not be a cause for concern.

When fully deployed, the driver and passenger's movement energy is absorbed and the risk of injury is reduced.

Under the influence of the load from the mass of the bodies, a controlled release of gas from the cushion occurs to soften the impact of the head and upper body.

ATTENTION: All work on inflatable cushions and associated areas (for example, the upholstery of the seat back) should be carried out only by special workshops with the necessary tools and qualified personnel.

CAUTION: No modifications should be made to the airbag system.

Attention: If the seat belts are not worn properly and the landing is incorrect, the probability of serious injuries increases significantly. This danger is even greater when the inflatable airbags are opened in a strong collision.

WARNING: The maximum protective effect of the side airbags is achieved only when the seat belts are worn correctly and the seat is in proper position.