Chevrolet Silverado: Airbag System / What Makes an Airbag Inflate?

Chevrolet Silverado 2019-2024 Owners Manual / Seats and Restraints / Airbag System / What Makes an Airbag Inflate?

In a deployment event, the sensing system sends an electrical signal triggering a release of gas from the inflator. Gas from the inflator fills the airbag causing the bag to break out of the cover. The inflator, the airbag, and related hardware are all part of the airbag module.

For airbag locations, see Where Are the Airbags?

When Should an Airbag Inflate?

This vehicle is equipped with airbags. See Airbag System. Airbags are designed to inflate if the impact exceeds the specific airbag system's deployment threshold...

How Does an Airbag Restrain?

In moderate to severe frontal or near frontal collisions, even belted occupants can contact the steering wheel or the instrument panel. In moderate to severe side collisions, even belted occupants can contact the inside of the vehicle...

Other information:

Chevrolet Silverado 2019-2024 Owners Manual: Safety System Check

Periodically check the seat belt reminder, seat belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors, shoulder belt height adjusters (if equipped), and seat belt anchorages to make sure they are all in working order. Look for any other loose or damaged seat belt system parts that might keep a seat belt system from performing properly...

Chevrolet Silverado 2019-2024 Owners Manual: Tachometer

The tachometer displays the engine speed in revolutions per minute (rpm). For vehicles with the Stop/Start system, when the ignition is on, the tachometer indicates the vehicle status. When pointing to AUTO STOP, the engine is off but the vehicle is on and can move...