Air bags instantly activate during a crash to provide life-saving cushioning. This protects people from blunt head trauma, which is one of the main causes of vehicle fatalities.
Steering wheel air bags are typically hidden inside the steering wheel. On the passenger’s seat, air bags are hidden in the dashboard directly in front of the seat.
Some vehicles can also have knee air bags and door-mounted air bags. Knee air bags are located under the dashboard, while door-mounted air bags are located in the front doors.

Accessing the steering wheel air bag in a 2014 to 2019 Toyota Corolla involves removing the air bag cover. Before doing so, you’ll need to remove the pieces of plastic trim on the steering column. These pieces of plastic trim are hiding metal rods that clip the air bag cover in place. You’ll need a screwdriver to push these metal rods to release the air bag cover.
Tips on How to Access the air bags
Accessing the steering wheel air bag on vehicles like the 2010 to 2014 Subaru Outback involves a similar process of releasing clips located behind the plastic trim on the steering column. To help you access these clips, you should insert the key into the ignition so that the steering wheel can move. This should help you access the clips. Remember that the steering wheel air bag can have up to three clips. Parts of the steering wheel cover should release as soon as you press on the clips.
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