Airbags are a crucial part of the modern car and it is important that your airbag system is working perfectly at all times. Activation of an air bag helps prevent serious bodily injuries. An air bag inflates automatically during a collision, cushioning the body from slamming into parts of the car. An electrical charge activates the small amount of explosives used for setting off an airbag.

So you've decided to attempt to try and replace your airbag yourself. This can be tricky and if you don't know what you are doing and do it wrong, it could be very counterproductive.

If you are sure you want to do this yourself then read on for a brief guide on how to replace your airbag.

Step 1

Disconnect the battery before you begin.

Step 2

Take out the airbag fuse in the dashboard connector so that the airbag doesn't go off when you touch it. Then remove the panelling that covers the airbag and gently take out the airbag itself from where it's stored. You'll have to disconnect the electrical couplings from the rear of the airbag itself before you'll be able to remove it.

Step 3

You must make sure to ground yourself and the vehicle before you continue. Even static electricity will deploy your new airbag while you are replacing it.

Reconnect the electrical couplings to the new bag before you install it in the airbag compartment. Close the compartment, reset the system fuse and connect the battery once more.

One of the most important parts of your airbag system is its computer. A good airbag computer is important. It must be able to assess the situation when your vehicle gets into an accident and record the crash data. It's the airbag computer module which must decide whether or not to deploy the airbag. Timing is crucial to your safety, so the airbag computer must be in perfect working order at all times.

As well as replacing the airbag or airbags, you will also need to get the module reset.

Find someone who is not only an expert but who also specialises in your particular make and model of car. They will be able to reset your airbag module and remove the crash data from it. Then your airbag light will go out and your airbag system will be like new.

Make sure you find a dealer who is price competitive. For the unknowing, a lot of surcharges can be added that really aren't necessary.