Federal regulations require both driver and front passenger airbags as standard equipment on all passenger cars. The same requirement for light trucks goes into effect during 1999. For increased passenger safety, vehicle manufacturers have also been installing airbags that help protect passengers in side impact collisions. Even airbags that deploy from the carpet to protect passenger’s feet have been developed.

And there’s much more to airbags than just a bunch of air.

As more airbag-equipped vehicles appear on the roads, and with an estimated 35 million auto accidents occurring each year, (18 million damaged vehicles will be repaired) the need for proper airbag replacement practices becomes critical.

Unfortunately, alternative sources for replacement parts have sprung up. Salvage and stolen airbags are finding their way into some repaired vehicles causing a wave of concern to vehicle manufacturers.

Salvage airbag modules are taken from vehicles in salvage/recycling yards. Some automotive recyclers claim that these salvage airbags are acceptable, but Ford and other manufacturers question their use. Improper removal practices and contamination from the elements may pose threats to the integrity of salvage airbags.

In fact, results from tests on salvage airbags conducted by an automotive recycler association indicated that one airbag taken from a flood vehicle failed to deploy.

Stolen airbags are also becoming a problem. They are fast becoming the top item stolen from vehicles. Why? Thieves can steal an airbag in less than three minutes and sell it for a quick profit. How many airbags are stolen? Estimates vary but recently a major national airbag theft ring based in Detroit, Michigan, was allegedly responsible for moving 25,000 airbags in a year, according to authorities.

"What’s important to remember is that the airbag system is designed specifically for each vehicle model," said George Gilbert, crash parts merchandising manager, Ford Customer Service Division. "The system must be repaired with the correct parts to function properly," Gilbert added.

Even subtle design changes over several model years may require airbag system alterations. To ensure the highest-quality collision repair and proper functioning of airbag systems, vehicle owners should be aware of the following steps needed to safely repair or replace components of the airbag system:

If the airbag did deploy, the repairer must replace the airbag module (s) and inspect, repair or replace (if necessary) the following components: clock spring, sensors, wiring, steering wheel and column and electronic control unit.

If the airbag did not deploy, the repairer should inspect the airbag system for possible dents, cracks or wiring damage that may affect the integrity and performance of the airbag system in the future.

Vehicle manufacturers and most insurance companies recommend that only new original equipment manufacturer (OEM) airbag modules and components be installed in the event of an airbag deployment. New OEM airbag components can only be purchased from a vehicle manufacturer’s authorized dealer.

There are numerous companies advertising overruns and blemished airbags for sale. It is questionable where these airbags are coming from since only vehicle manufacturers make and distribute new airbags. Recently, part of the answer may have been solved. Remember that stolen airbag ring mentioned above? The members were accused of selling the stolen airbags to discount airbag suppliers who sold them to collision repairers through magazine ads. This leads to the next question consumers should ask:

Always ask for sales documentation for the airbag module and components. A legitimate collision repair facility will be able to supply this information. This documentation should show the authorized dealership that supplied the items.

Consumers should also complete and return the information card that is enclosed with every replacement airbag. Since every airbag installed in a new vehicle carries the vehicle identification number (VIN), this card serves as a record that the airbag was replaced.

New genuine Ford replacement airbag modules must be the correct color. They cannot be painted! The paint could degrade the cover materials and interfere with airbag deployment.

Now that the airbag module and components have been properly addressed, another crucial component of a safe and proper collision repair involves the type of replacement "crash parts" installed.

Crash parts are exterior sheet metal and plastic parts most frequently replaced after accidents, such as bumpers, fenders, hoods and doors. Certain replacement crash parts, such as hoods and fenders, may play a role in the function of the airbag system.

Here are the types of replacement crash parts you are likely to choose from:

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) crash parts, which are made by or for the vehicle manufacturer to the same exacting standards as the parts on new vehicles.

New Aftermarket, or "imitation" crash parts, which are unauthorized copies of OEM parts.

Salvaged, which are crash parts recovered from cars which have been "totaled."

Testing by a variety of manufacturers and independent firms consistently confirms that OEM crash parts clearly out-perform non-OEM crash parts in all critical quality areas, including fit, finish, structural integrity, corrosion protection and dent resistance.

OEM crash parts are the same as those installed on new vehicles, which meet all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). Significant questions remain unanswered about quality, durability and safety of non-OEM crash parts.

Many insurance companies strongly advocate imitation or salvaged crash parts to help lower the cost of repairs. But according to one vehicle manufacturer study, nine out of 10 professional used-car appraisers valued a vehicle repaired with imitation crash parts $740 less than an identical vehicle repaired with OEM crash parts.

While the choice is yours, if you don’t get involved in the decision-making process before repairs actually begin, your parts preferences may not be considered.

These tips will help protect your vehicle investment and ensure a satisfying and safe collision repair.