(NAPSI)—Drivers and passengers generally assume the airbags in a car will work properly.

However, when it comes to used vehicles, that may not be the case.

To protect yourself when buying a used car, here are a few tips:

• Turn on the ignition. The airbag indicator light should appear momentarily and then go out. If the indicator light remains on or flashes, this may indicate a problem with the airbag system.

• Get the Carfax Vehicle History Report. The report may include salvage or junk titles, accident indicators such as frame damage or airbag deployments, and repair details.

• Another way to help check for faulty airbags is to get a professional inspection by a mechanic or airbag specialist.