Buick Encore: Airbag System / What Makes an Airbag Inflate?

Buick Encore 2020-2026 Owner's 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:

Buick Encore 2020-2026 Owner's Manual: Reporting Safety Defects to the United States Government

If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying General Motors. If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign...

Buick Encore 2020-2026 Owner's Manual: Loss of Control

Skidding There are three types of skids that correspond to the vehicle's three control systems: Braking Skid — wheels are not rolling. Steering or Cornering Skid — too much speed or steering in a curve causes tires to slip and lose cornering force...