In the market for a used vehicle?

If you are looking to buy a used vehicle, finding out if the air bags work properly is a good thing.

What to look for:

Inspect the steering wheel and dashboard. Thieves intent on prying out air bags often make dents and dings in the interior plastics as they do it.

The air bag indicator light in the dashboard should glow briefly when the car is first started -- part of the car's diagnostics system. If the light never comes on or continues to glow, the air bag probably isn't functioning.

On the web, surf to www.safercar.gov, a government-run Web site. It tell you about defects and recalls and crash tests and roll-over ratings. It also allows, drivers to type in the vehicle's identification number, or VIN, to see if one or more air bags have been permanently deactivated. Click on "Air Bags," then under "Air Bag Basics" on the left, click on "Air Bag - VIN number" to search the database.

Here’s the problem with the site: There may be gaps in the data because the site relies on third parties to report whether an air bag has been removed or disabled.

Still unsure? Have your trusted mechanic inspect the car for properly installed air bags -- as well as the engine and other systems. It may cost a bit now but save you a good deal of money in the long run.