There’s a rumor going around that subwoofers can set off airbags. Is it true? Can a powerful bass system really cause an accident?
If Subwoofers are turned up too loud they can really produce enough bass to trigger the sensors in airbags, So if you’re planning on bumping some tunes in your car, be mindful of the volume, if You do not really want to have a airbag deployment!
In this post, we’ll explore the science behind airbag triggering and find out if subs are really to blame. Stay tuned!
Can A Subwoofer Set Off Airbags?
The answer, unfortunately, is that it’s possible. So if you’re planning on bumping some tunes in your car, be mindful of the volume. If you don’t want to end up with a flat tire and an airbag deployment!
Just in case, airbags would need a great acceleration and sound vibration in order to develop, which is nearly enough to damage your eardrum.
So a great amount of acceleration is required to make the car sensor detect any movement and to activate the security system (airbags).
Subwoofers can produce enough bass to trigger the sensors in airbags only If the subwoofer is turned up too loud, it’s more likely to happen. But, It does not happen very often. There are rare cases of airbags being developed by subwoofers.
Can A Down-firing Subwoofer Set Off Airbags?
They are designed to push the soundwaves downward towards the body of your subwoofers, increasing the sound quality of the system. You might think that a down-firing subwoofer can set off your airbag? And if yes, then how?
Basically, the chances of airbag explosion due to a down-firing subwoofer are rare, but yes, it happens sometime. It can happen when you place your subwoofer near your airbag sensors.
For example, you placed your down-firing subwoofer at the backside just near the place where your airbag sensor is placed.
As soon as you play something on your subwoofer, the soundwaves from the down-firing subwoofer will start hitting the floor, which can produce vibration and strong acceleration depending on the pitch and volume, which can trick your airbag sensor and make it feel like some kind of accident. As soon as it detects something, boom, your airbags are out.
Do Airbags Develop Accidently?
They may develop accidentally because of high volume of your subwoofers and during a minor hit. This can cause injury to the person within the car, and it also causes the driver to lose control over their vehicle, which can further result in an accident resulting in a serious injury like bone fracture etc.
This usually happens when there is a software problem, or there is any technical fault in sensors. So, it is also like some other things having both bad and good sides. It happens, and it also causes many problems like accidents and injuries, but its ratio is 5% and 95%, respectively.
For example, if we put four SSA Evil v1 18-inch subwoofers in our car? Can they develop an airbag?
As we know that a great amount of sound pitch is required to make a subwoofer develop, so lets suppose we place 4 subwoofers in a car with full volume.
If we put them in our car and play a sound on them at full volume, it will be hard for us to listen as they will produce a great vibration because of the huge bass produced in your car that the car sensors will think of as vibration caused due to collision of a vehicle with some object or something like that, which will automatically cause the airbags to develop and come out for the protection.
What Is The Relation Between The Sound Of The Subwoofer And The Vibration Which Causes The Sensors To Activate?
A sound is a form of vibration which travels from one molecule to another. When an object creates sound, it travels from one molecule to another in the form of vibration.
This series of movements is called wavelength. The sound of higher pitch and higher frequency creates a great vibration in the air, hitting the car sensors with the same great impact. This makes the airbag sensor detect danger and develop airbags due to subwoofers.
What Should You Do If Your Airbags Go Off Unexpectedly?
If your airbags go off unexpectedly, the best thing to do is to pull over and turn off your car. Then, call a tow truck or road service to help you get your car to a safe location.
If you can, try to find a mechanic who can check your car’s electrical system to see if the airbag sensors were triggered by a problem with the car.
Are There Any Dangers Associated With Having A Subwoofer In Your Car?
There are a few dangers associated with having a subwoofer in your car, if it is turned up too loud:
- It can damage the speaker.
- It can also damage your hearing.
- It can trigger the sensors in airbags, which could cause them to deploy unexpectedly.
As a result, it is critical to be aware of the volume when you’re using a subwoofer in your car.
What Do You Need To Do To Avoid Setting Off Airbags With Your Subwoofer?
You can do a few things to avoid setting off airbags with your subwoofer:
- Make sure the volume is turned down low enough so that the bass doesn’t trigger the sensors.
- Try to position the subwoofer away from the airbag sensors.
- If you’re unsure about whether or not your subwoofer is safe, consult a professional.
Why Is it Important To Follow These Precautions?
It’s important to follow these precautions because setting off airbags can be dangerous. If the airbags deploy unexpectedly, they could cause serious injuries or even death. So it’s important to be aware of the risks and take steps to avoid them.
Examples Of People Who Have Set Off Airbags With Their Subwoofers
There are a few examples of people who have set off airbags with their subwoofers. In one case, a man was playing his subwoofer so loud that it triggered the sensors in the airbags and caused them to deploy.
In another case, a woman was driving with her subwoofer turned up too loud, and it caused the airbag sensor to go off.
And in another case, a man had his subwoofer turned up so loud that it actually blew out the speakers. So if you’re planning on using a subwoofer in your car, be sure to follow the precautions to avoid setting off the airbags.
Can Subwoofers Shrink Off Airbags?
Airbags are intended to protect occupants in the event of a collision by cushioning them from the impact. However, airbags can cause serious injuries if they deploy while someone is sitting too close to them.
This is why many car manufacturers recommend that drivers and passengers keep at least 10 inches of space between themselves and the nearest airbag.
One way to help create this safe distance is to install a subwoofer in the front of the vehicle. By taking up some of the space that an airbag would otherwise occupy, a subwoofer can help to reduce the risk of injury in the event of a collision.
In addition, subwoofers can also improve the sound quality of your car’s audio system. So, if you’re looking for a way to protect yourself and your passengers in the event of an accident, installing a subwoofer may be a good option.
Conclusion:
Can subwoofers set off airbags? Yes, they can. So, if you intend to use one in your car, be sure to turn down the volume and position the speaker away from the airbag sensors. And if you’re ever unsure about whether or not your subwoofer is safe, consult a professional.
