QUESTION: I work at the parts dept at a VW/Audi dealer and have noticed that some customers are putting aftermarket seat covers over their front bucket seats. All our cars have side-impact airbags mounted in the front seat backrests. I've always advised people not to do this, when they have asked for seat covers.

VW/Audi do not offer seat covers as an accessory item, so I guess folks are buying their leopard-print seat covers elsewhere. I'm sure it's not safe to cover the side airbag with any extra fabric. What would happen if the side airbags were to deploy with aftermarket seat covers installed?

Bud

ANSWER: Great catch! The result would obviously be much less, if any, protection and perhaps some interference with the belts, preventing them from providing the intended protection.

In all likelihood, the bags would still deploy, as they do with such a great deal of force - but not as quickly and probably not in the intended shape or position.

Airbags are designed to reach a very specific shape and location within one-tenth of a second from deployment - they have to be in position before the body, or the object that struck the vehicle, arrives in that location. Any delay in arrival or change in shape will degrade the protection.

A related pet peeve of mine (pun intended) are people who carry their dog or cat on their laps. Should they be involved in an incident resulting in an airbag deployment - and this can occur at very low speeds - the bag will crush the animal and cause extensive injury to the occupant because the carefully-designed shape of the bag has been altered by the presence of the animal. The animal's skeletal structure, in and of itself, will harm the occupant due to the tremendous force of the bag's deployment.

Winter preparation

QUESTION: While I had my car in for a scheduled oil change, the service guy tried to sell me a $129 winter preparation package. I told him to get lost.

I figure I follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule and that includes all necessary seasonal preparation. Was I right?

Paul

ANSWER: Probably, but if the vehicle is old enough, or has accumulated enough mileage to be off warranty, such a checkup is probably a good idea.

Batteries, for example - due to their smaller size, the added draw of all the electronics and the tremendous heat under the hood - rarely last more than three or four years so it is a good idea to have them checked before they quit on the nastiest morning of the winter.

Has your windshield washer fluid been changed for the formulation necessary for sub-zero temperatures? How about the wipers? They are good for a year or two, but are likely to be compromised and dried-out after that and thus unable to clear the windshield effectively.

Some other issues to consider, many of which you can check yourself:

Antifreeze: Not only is it full, but how old is it? Check the manual and replace as advised. Remember this fluid not only draws heat from the engine and provides the warmth needed in the passenger compartment, it lubricates a whole bunch of critical engine components.

Hoses and belts: Look for cracks and obvious signs of wear and aging. The under-hood temperatures of today's low-emission engines is extremely high and tough on belts and hoses. Also make sure the belts are properly tightened - they tend to stretch slightly with age and won't be turning the oil and water pumps, power steering unit and alternator properly if too loose.

Tires: Obviously a whole topic unto themselves. If you are changing to winter tires, check them out before putting them on and have a good look at the tires you are taking off. If you are not changing rubber, taking an extra-close look at the four of them on the vehicle is a wise investment.

Brakes: If there have been any strange noises from the brakes or signs of the vehicle pulling to one side or the other when they are applied, get the vehicle to a shop and have a technician check them out. This is one area where you do not want to take a chance.

When you stop to think about it, that $129 may have been a wise investment.