Loading ...
Loading ...
Loading ...
How the Airbags Work
Inflation of airbags depends on the rate at
which the vehicle’s cabin changes speed in a
collision. The rate of deceleration determines
whether airbags inflate.
Airbags inflate instantly with considerable
force accompanied by a loud noise. The
inflated bag, together with the seat belts,
limits movement of occupants to reduce the
risk of injury.
Front airbags are not ordinarily designed to
inflate in rear collisions, rollovers, minor front
or side collisions, heavy braking, or driving
over bumps and potholes. Therefore,
significant superficial damage can occur to
the vehicle without the airbags
inflating or,
conversely, a relatively small amount of
structural damage can cause airbags to
inflate.
If you are planning to modify your vehicle for a
person with disabilities in a way that may
aect the airbag system, contact Tesla.
Types of Airbags
Model S has the following types of airbags:
• Advanced front airbags: The front airbags
are advanced airbags designed to reduce
airbag related injuries to children or small
adults who ride in the front seats. On the
driver’s side, the front airbag works with a
seat position sensor that adjusts the
inflation level based on the seating
position of the occupant. On the
passenger’s side, the airbag responds to a
sensing system in the seat that determines
whether or not the passenger side front
airbag
inflates, and optimizes the inflation
level based on the weight of the occupant
(described below).
• Knee airbags: Knee airbags and the front
airbags work together. The knee airbags
limit the forward motion of the front seat
occupants by restricting leg movement,
thereby positioning the occupants so that
the front airbags work more
eectively.
• Side airbags: Side airbags protect the
thorax region of the torso and the pelvis.
They
inflate only if a severe side impact
occurs. Side airbags on the non-impacted
side of the vehicle do not inflate.
• Curtain airbags: Curtain airbags help
protect the head and typically inflate only
if a severe side impact occurs, or if the
vehicle rolls over. Curtain airbags on both
the impacted and non-impacted side of
the vehicle will
inflate.
Airbags
32 Model S Owner's Manual
Loading ...
Loading ...
Loading ...