Have you ever looked closely at the instrument panels of the cars released in recent years? While some signs are made up of symbols we are used to, some are just getting started in our lives thanks to the advancements in automotive technologies. We can say that SRS is both old and new. because even if the security service it offers has been in vehicles for many years, the transformation to a technological system with the abbreviation SRS is relatively new.

Usually many drivers ask what SRS is only when they realize there is a problem with this abbreviation light on the panel. You will not easily wonder what such a system is because it is a passive security system. In other words, it doesn’t make any noise until needed and the driver doesn’t have to do anything when it works. Bride What is SRS, what is it for, how do you use it? Let’s take a closer look at the FAQ and see the important details about this system.

Let’s start with the basics, what is SRS?

Supplemental Restraint System, SRS for short, Supplemental Security System in Turkish; found in cars It is the system that controls the automatic airbag and automatic seat belt. For this reason, you may have heard the name SRS Airbag and SRS Seatbelt.

While the transformation into a computer-aided smart security system called SRS is recent, the use of airbags in vehicles is much older. The airbag, which was first used in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class in 1981, It is a security system that has been used in every car produced in the United States since that year. This system has evolved over time.

What is the SRS seat belt?

The SRS seat belt, which is controlled by the supplementary restraint system, is an airbag package. It is one of the complementary security systems. Unlike standard seat belts, the moment of locking is determined by the SRS system, just like how the airbags deploy, that is, it is an automatic structure.

What does SRS do?

Driver airbag system as standard, also for front and rear passengers in additional packages To give the shortest answer to the question of what SRS does; Let’s just say it saves lives. In the event of a possible collision, this system prevents the driver and passengers from hitting the hard points of the vehicle. Likewise, during this collision, the seat belts are locked to prevent the passengers from being thrown out and in the event of a possible accident, the aim is to get rid of the driver and passengers with minimal damage.

How does SRS work?

The basis of the SRS system; These are sensors located inside and outside the vehicle in varying numbers depending on the number of airbags and seat belts. This network, which consists of many different sensors, It is connected to the SRS system. Thanks to these sensors, the SRS system immediately receives data about the speed, braking, deceleration, acceleration of the vehicle, whether there are passengers in the seats and much more.

If the vehicle traveling at a constant speed has suddenly braked, the driver has braked, the vehicle has been hit or something similar. SRS system is activated immediately and both activate the airbags and lock the seat belts. Thus, it is intended to prevent the driver and passengers from skidding and hitting hard points in the vehicle.

So why does the SRS light come on on cars?

The driver does not need to do anything to activate and operate the SRS system when needed. Because SRS is defined as a passive safety system. Most drivers aren’t aware of the SRS passive safety system until a light on the instrument panel that you’ve never seen before, the SRS light, comes on. So why does the SRS light come on?

Like many warning lights on your vehicle’s instrument panel, illuminating the SRS light also means there is a malfunction. Unfasten seat belt buckles, Malfunctions such as a lack of contact in one of the transmission cables or a problem in the system that deploys the airbags are one of the main reasons why the SRS light comes on.

What to do if the SRS light is on?

First of all, keep calm; SRS is an important security system, but it is not a system that requires immediate intervention. You can see many methods on the internet to fix SRS light, but It is not recommended to take such a risk. If the SRS light comes on, even if it is not urgent, see a professional auto mechanic or the technical service of your car brand as soon as possible. A quick inspection detects the problem in a short time and fixes the fault.

Can the vehicle be driven with the SRS light on?

You can continue to drive your car even if the SRS light is on, ie there is a malfunction in the SRS system. After all, the SRS is an additional safety system that does not affect the vehicle’s control system. It must be admitted that this is a great risk. Even if you avoid an accident, there is no guarantee that a vehicle will not hit you suddenly.

Do the airbags work when the SRS light is on?

While most experts say the airbags won’t work when the SRS light is on, some say it can vary from situation to situation. In other words, the situation changes depending on what the defect is. But what’s the point of taking such a risk if the airbags don’t deploy if there’s a small chance of a malfunction in the SRS system?

Finally, does SRS really matter?

Traffic is fraught with danger. Even if you are a master driver, there is always the risk of an accident that will make your car dull through the fault of another herd and lead you to an end that is too bad to even think about. Although considered complementary by definition, we are talking about airbags and seat belts; What could be more important? SRS is an extremely important safety system, and even if there isn’t a malfunction warning, it’s helpful to have it checked if your pad gets into an auto mechanic.

One of the additional safety systems of our cars, What is SRS, what does it do, how does it work? We’ve covered the details you need to know about this system by answering frequently asked questions. If you are not a real master, keep in mind that you should definitely consult an expert when it comes to security. You can share your thoughts on the topic in the comments.