There certainly has been a lot of interest in the press recently on the subject of recycled airbags. Our position on them at Airbag Service is very simple. We don't use them, and we don't recommend that you do either.

The auto repair industry needs to be fully aware of the dangers involved in using recycled airbags. There is not at this time a method to trace the origin of these recycled components. Many of them are taken out of flood or disaster vehicles, which may make the airbags nonfunctioning. The ability to use recycled airbags also encourages the underground theft market.

If you install a used airbag and it malfunctions in a collision, you may very well be held liable. Is the cost savings so great on a recycled airbag that it is worth it to risk everything you have worked for? Lawsuits such as this can absolutely destroy a small business. On the flip side of that: Is it really ethical to install a used part in a vehicle that the consumer is counting on for 100 percent reliability? At this time you cannot guarantee that reliability.

There has been some talk about recertified airbags. As of yet we cannot stand behind those either. We have yet to see a certification process that is insurable and that meets the safety requirements of the manufacturers or the United States government. Most often the vehicle owner is completely unaware that they are getting anything other than an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) part. They believe their vehicle is being restored to its original condition. Why should they accept anything less?

Each day we see vehicles with airbags that are not new original equipment. They could be painted, altered, installed incorrectly and not have a traceable history.

Don't play that game.

Your customer deserves better, and you as the repair facility deserve not to have your name tainted and associated with what is truly a crime. Currently there is no legislation to control this activity. It's upon your shoulders and your conscience to self-police this matter.

Airbag Service has 40 locations nationwide and we will continue to provide proper airbag repairs and replacements according to all OEM factory procedures and recommendations. We will also work closely with the original equipment manufacturers, use all new original parts and install all mandatory replacement components to return the vehicle to the consumer in the safe manner that they are expecting.

Remember, they are counting on you as experts in your field to do the same.

Elaine Credelle has been the sales and marketing manager at Airbag Service, which is headquartered in the Seattle area, since February 2001. She has worked in the automotive industry for 20 years as a wholesale parts and service account manager for several dealerships.

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