Around 33 million vehicles are being recalled across 11 different car brands. The trouble is with the front airbags, either driver’s side, passenger’s side, or both.

Takata, a major automotive parts manufacturer, initiated the recall when it discovered that the airbags can deploy with too much force, sending shrapnel into the car. So far, 6 known deaths and more than 100 injuries have occurred as a result of these faulty airbags. At this time, it’s thought that humid conditions over time may be causing the airbag’s propellent to deteriorate. If that occurs and the airbag deploys, overly aggressive combustion can break the internal inflator housing, sending metal shards into the car’s interior.

The vehicles being recalled were manufactured between 2002 and 2008. For a full list of vehicles affected by the recall, see Car and Driver’s blog, scroll to the bottom of the article.

In addition to airbags, your car has a number of safety features to hep protect you and your family in the event of a collision. Antilock breaks, traction control, safety belts, tire pressure monitors, and your windshield. Yes, believe it or not your windshield is a safety feature. In addition to protecting you from bugs and road debris as you move down the road at 65 miles per hour or more, your vehicle’s windshield protects occupants in the event of a collision. It provides structural damage if the car rolls and is created to stick together if it breaks.

Help your windshield to protect you and your family by ensuring that all cracks and chips are repaired as quickly as possible. A crack or chip can quickly and unexpectedly spread across your windshield, blocking the driver’s line of sight and causing a driving hazard. Contact Suncoast Auto Glass for quick and easy windshield repairs.