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

Buick Encore 2020-2025 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 2020-2025 Owner's Manual: Shifting out of Park

This vehicle is equipped with a shift lock control. The shift lock control is designed to prevent movement of the shift lever out of P (Park) unless the ignition is on and the brake pedal is applied. The shift lock control is always functional except in the case of an uncharged or low voltage (less than 9-volt) battery...

Buick Encore 2020-2025 Owner's Manual: Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System

If equipped, the FCA system may help to avoid or reduce the harm caused by front-end crashes. When approaching a vehicle ahead too quickly, FCA provides a red flashing alert on the windshield and rapidly beeps. FCA detects vehicles within a distance of approximately 60 m (197 ft) and operates at speeds above 40 km/h (25 mph)...