Regardless of the make and model, every car should have a seat belt. The law explicitly requires all car manufacturers to include them in all their vehicles. The thing about seat belts is that they aren’t just there to add style or substance to your car; it is more about functionality than fashion.
Without them, you or your passengers may suffer more extensive injuries in case of an accident. If worst comes to worst, there may even be casualties, something that no driver will ever want to happen. With that said, it is your responsibility to check whether or not the seat belts in your car are still in their best working condition.
While it may not sound like a difficult task to accomplish, determining the current condition of your seat belts is a bit tricky. This is due to their hidden mechanisms. We’ve listed a couple of things you need to check to see whether your seat belt needs replacement or not.
1. Wear and Tear in the Webbing
The webbing is the strap that snuggly fits the front of your body during the trip. Most people call this the “belt,” as it is indeed the part of the whole seat belt mechanism that is keeping you in place.
Check the webbing for any signs of wear and tear. There should be no snags or loose thread, neither should there be any form of literal tear on them. Ignoring this type of damage may endanger you during a crash, as they may tear off and enable your momentum to move forward, further injuring you in the process.
2. A Loose Retractor
This is the part of the seat belt that limits the overall movement of the webbing. Try pulling the strap quickly. If it locks in place, it means the retractor is still doing what it was intended to do. If it’s loose, chances are, it won’t be able to support you during a crash, and your head could swing toward the dashboard.
3. Buckle Lock Not Working
The buckle is where you will set the belt tongue in place. The mechanism should lock the end of the webbing so that it will be able to stop your forward momentum during a crash. Before setting out on a trip, make sure that the lock is working. If it’s not, consider surrendering it for replacement, as none of the mechanisms will be able to protect you.
Conclusion
Checking your seat belt’s condition should be a regular part of your car maintenance routine. Just because it isn’t as flashy as your rims and as colorful as your paint job doesn’t mean it isn’t significant. Its life-saving functionality is already enough reason to garner your attention, much so that you will need to ensure that all your sets are working properly.
Getting a feel of the webbing, the retractor, and the buckle is not only a wise thing to do, but it also ensures that all your trips will be safe, whether you’re traveling alone or with your family.
At Safety Restore, we offer reliable seat belt replacement services. We provide webbing replacements, instrument cluster repairs, and post-accident restorations. Protect yourself and your family while on the road. Contact us today.