How The Airbags Work; Types Of Airbags - Tesla 2012- 21013 S Owner's Manual

Airbags

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 affect
the airbag system, contact Tesla.
3.16

Types of Airbags

Advanced The front airbags are advanced
front airbags designed to reduce airbag
airbags related injuries to children or small
adults who ride in front. 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. For safety of infants
and small children, the front
passenger airbag can be disabled
as described on page 3.17.
Knee Knee airbags and the front airbags
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 effectively.
Side Side airbags protect the thorax
airbags region of the torso and the pelvis
and inflate only if a severe side
impact occurs. Airbags on the
non-impacted side do not inflate.
Curtain Curtain airbags help protect the
airbags head and ordinarily inflate only if a
severe side impact occurs or if the
vehicle rolls over. The airbags on
the non-impacted side do not
inflate.
MODEL S OWNERS MANUAL
Airbags