The lifesaving ability of air bags in a collision has been well documented. What many drivers might not think about is the importance of having the air-bag system serviced by properly trained professionals after it has deployed.

An air bag cannot be "repacked" after it has deployed. In fact, the air bag and many of the system's parts are not "repairable" and must be replaced. The parts are designed for each specific vehicle. For the system to function correctly if the vehicle is involved in another collision, the proper parts must be purchased and installed by a qualified technician.

If you are buying a used vehicle that has an air bag, ask if it has ever been deployed and, if so, where the system was replaced. If the air bag in your own vehicle has deployed, make sure it is replaced by qualified technicians.

According to Tom Mack, executive vice president of I-CAR, a not-for-profit international collision repair training organization, "It is necessary to do your homework and locate a collision repair business that has invested in proper training. I-CAR provides certificates of completion to all students who have attended I-CAR courses. We suggest they display the certificates to help consumers choose between repair businesses."

Provided as a public service by I-CAR