Gold is a component in almost all consumer electronics. Because it is found in almost all critical devices that must reliably function properly, gold is a critical component in the electronics controlling airbag deployment.
Gold is used because of its excellent thermal and electrical conductivity properties. In the event of an accident, it quickly can conduct electrical signals to key components and heat away from other key components.
Gold is also used because of its anti-corrosive nature. Connections necessary for the deployment of an airbag can be made at critical times because the gold contacts will not tarnish or oxidize.
Gold is extremely malleable and can be hammered very thin. On airbag igniters, the charge is sealed by gold-plated glass to reliably keep the charge protected, no matter the age of the vehicle.
