What happens to airbags and ADAS after an accident?

Airbag deployment and replacement

When airbags deploy in an accident, they cannot be reused. Each deployed airbag must be replaced with a new unit, which can add significant cost to repairs.

A modern vehicle may have multiple airbags:

• Front airbags (driver and passenger)
• Side curtain airbags
• Knee airbags
• Seat-mounted side airbags

Replacing all deployed airbags, along with the sensors and control module, can cost tens of thousands of rands.

Why airbag costs affect write-off decisions

The high cost of airbag replacement often pushes repair costs above the write-off threshold, even when other damage is relatively minor. This is one reason why some vehicles with minimal body damage are still written off.

What is ADAS?

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) include features such as:

• Automatic emergency braking
• Lane departure warning
• Adaptive cruise control
• Blind spot monitoring
• Parking sensors and cameras

These systems rely on cameras, radar, and sensors positioned precisely around the vehicle.

ADAS recalibration after repairs

After any repair that affects the position of ADAS sensors or cameras, these systems must be professionally recalibrated. This includes:

• Windscreen replacement
• Front or rear bumper repairs
• Grille replacement
• Any structural repairs
• Wheel alignment changes

Risks of skipping recalibration

If ADAS is not properly recalibrated after repairs:

• Emergency braking may not function correctly
• Lane keeping assistance may provide false warnings
• Collision warnings may be inaccurate
• The vehicle may be unsafe to drive