Do you Suspect the Salvage car you Want to buy had its Airbags Deployed? Here’s how to Know

Every year car auctioneers organize several salvage car auctions in different parts of the country. Thousands of car lovers and buyers flock to salvage auto auctions to buy their favorite models at dirt cheap prices. When buying a salvage car, you must not lose sight of the fact that you know very little about the vehicle’s past. Salvage cars that were in high impact collisions, often have deployed airbags. Many unscrupulous sellers repair and paint split cover to conceal this vital info. Driving a car with deployed airbags can pose a major threat to the driver’s well being, if they get involved in a crash. To help avoid airbag fraud, the post lists some tips you can use to detect whether the car had its airbags deployed. Take a look.

1. Conduct Extensive Research

Talk to the seller about the nature of the accident the vehicle was involved in. Stay away from cars that had sustained major damages to the side and rear, as there are good chances the airbags were deployed. Most car history reports provide vital info about airbag system fraud, which is why you must consider getting one. To learn about the vehicle’s general condition, request your trusted mechanic to inspect the car.

2. Inspect the Airbag Cover

When an airbag deploys its cover splits apart. To hide this info about the car, unscrupulous sellers often repair the split cover. Touch the cover, and walk away if it feels or looks uneven. Look for other signs such as seams and a repainting job. Make sure the cover has the manufacturer’s insignia and the Safety Restraint System logo.

3. Check the Dash

Dash replacement can be a result of airbag deployment. In the event of a crash, both, the driver’s and passenger airbags are deployed. Passenger airbags are located inside the dashboard and split the dash open when deployed.

4. Take a Look at the Airbag Indicator Light

Inconsistent airbag indicator lights, often point towards airbag issues. To test the indicators, turn the ignition key to first position. Make sure all the indicators including the airbag lights are on. Start the engine. If the light comes on momentarily and goes out, you are good, however, if the light stays stable or flashes, there are chances that the airbag system is not functioning properly.

Wrap up

Airbags save lives, and are not just add-ons but a significant car safety feature. When buying a used car, use these tips to check the vehicle’s airbag system thoroughly. Airbags work best in conjunction with passenger restraints such as seat belts, which is why you must also check them.

4 Classic Trucks whose Value has Skyrocketed Over the years

America loves pickup trucks. In 2016, pickup truck sales grew by 6 percent. Power, and superior towing and hauling capacity are some of the reasons why more families today prefer buying pickup trucks. If your family has had recent additions or you need a multipurpose vehicle, consider buying a pickup. If affordability is a concern, look for damaged old pickup trucks for sale. When buying a used truck, apart from ensuring the vehicle is in a repairable condition you must also consider how well the pickup has held its value over the years. If classic trucks are your thing, you are in for a treat, as we, in this post take a look at some classic pickups whose value has gone off the charts over the years.

1. 1956 Ford

Pickups from the F-Series have been prized by collectors for decades. The last pickup in the series, the 1956 Ford with a number of one-year-only changes is the most valuable of the lot. Almost six decades ago, you could bring the pickup home, if you had $1,611 in your pocket. Today, a restored version of the vehicle can fetch up to $ 65,000, an increase of more than 4,000 percent in value.

2. 1946-1956 Dodge Power Wagon

The Power Wagon is one of the toughest vintage pickup trucks around. The pickup has its roots in WW II. Though the 1970 version of the model featured significant changes, it is the models manufactured between 1946-56 that collectors seek the most. Available for $1,627 almost six decades ago, this classic is worth up to $ 65,000 today.

3. 1955-57 Chevrolet Cameo

Often considered to be the first sport truck, the Cameo was different in several aspects from its contemporaries. The truck came with a number of convenience features, that were usually reserved for cars. Stylish fiberglass fenders and Chevrolet’s then new V8 283-cubic inch engine boosted the car’s looks and performance. Thanks to its cult status, the car’s value has skyrocketed from $1,981 to $60,000 today, an increase of more than 3,000 percent.

4. 1957-59 Dodge Sweptside

The 1957 Dodge Sweptside featured car-like tail fins and a Hemi engine. The truck could never woo buyers, however, the Sweptside is highly valued by collectors owing to its eccentric design. Sold for $2,124 in the ‘50s, the truck can fetch up to $60,000 in an auction today, an increase of around 2,900 percent in value. Consider yourself lucky if you find one at a Dodge salvage pickup truck sale.

Conclusion

These are some trucks whose value has increased astronomically over the years. Some other trucks whose value has skyrocketed over the years are- 1963-1973 Toyota Land Cruiser, 1970-72 Chevrolet Pickup, and and 1969-72 Ford Bronco. If you have any of these gems parked in your garage, congratulations! You are sitting on a gold mine, if not, attend a salvage truck auction, and who knows you may find a diamond in the rough.