How To Protect Yourself From Airbag Fraud

Airbags are an essential safety feature in cars, but they can also be a target for fraud. Some people buy airbags illegally and use them to repair damaged vehicles. This is dangerous for everyone on the road, and it’s important to know how to protect yourself from airbag fraud.

Why Is Airbag Fraud So Common?

There are a few reasons why airbag fraud is so common. First, airbags are expensive. A new airbag can cost several thousand dollars, so there is a lot of money to be made by selling counterfeit or stolen airbags. Second, it can be difficult to tell the difference between a genuine airbag and a counterfeit one. This is because counterfeit airbags are often made to look very similar to genuine airbags. Finally, many people don’t know much about cars, so they may not be able to spot a counterfeit airbag.

What To Do To Prevent Airbag Fraud

There are a few things you can do to protect yourself from airbag fraud when buying used cars in Calgary:

Ask For Documentation

When you are buying a used car, ask the seller for documentation that verifies the car’s make, model, and equipment. This includes verified ownership history with a clean title. Don’t buy the car if the seller can’t provide this documentation.

Get a Professional Inspection

Don’t trust your airbag to an over-the-counter test. Many of these tests can be inaccurate and result in a component malfunction due to faulty design. The best thing you can do is have your airbag inspected by a professional with a solid automotive safety background.

Check the VIN

A car’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) can be found in several locations on the vehicle. Once you see the VIN, look it up at Carfax and see if the car has been in a major accident or has had its airbags deployed.

Check the Airbag Warning Light

The airbag light is designed to warn drivers of an airbag fault. When you turn on your car’s ignition, the light should turn on for about three seconds and then go off if there are no problems in the system. If it does not do this, there could be a significant problem that could cost you thousands and could endanger your life.

Check the Airbag Cover

Airbag covers are tested to ensure they are not counterfeit. The only way to do that is by doing a visual inspection. Look for the dates at the top of the cover and compare them to your car’s manufacture date. If those dates match up, then that part should be okay.

Takeaway

Airbag fraud is a serious issue, and you should know how to protect yourself. If something seems too good to be true when buying an airbag, it probably is. Ensure you get your parts from trusted sources, and always check their authenticity with a professional before installation. When buying a used car, be sure to check all the things mentioned in this blog post and always choose a reputable dealership.