When you put on your car seatbelt, you always expect it to work. However, in some cases, it can get stuck, preventing you from releasing it correctly. Most of the time, the reason behind a seat belt that won’t retract is because the belt is twisted.
But in other situations, a seat belt unable to return to its original position indicates something else that could be considered a more serious concern you should deal with right away. The moment your seat belt gets stuck, you must work to unbuckle it or slowly pull it out to prevent the auto-lock from activating.
Avoid tugging the seat belt carelessly and check to see if it’s tangled. After doing what you can and your seat belt still won’t release, it could mean you’re facing deeper issues. Keep reading below to find out what could cause a broken seat belt that will require seat belt repair services promptly.
The Retractor is Defective
A seat belt that won’t release despite your efforts to remove it could mean that it’s damaged and will need a car seat belt replacement for you to continue driving your car safely down the road. If you didn’t know, a seat belt retractor is the portion of the mechanism that lets a seat belt roll in.
It’s also the device that pulls the seat belt back to its original place. If you wish to manage a defective seat belt retractor, the best thing you can do is get a new retractor and belt altogether to guarantee it won’t happen again.
The Seat Belt is Twisted
When you notice your seat belt isn’t releasing, you should take out its plastic trim using the proper tools to see if your seat belt is twisted. A twisted seat belt prevents your device from working properly, giving its retractor a difficult time of pulling the seat belt completely.
Unfortunately, you can’t tell your seat belt is twisted unless you remove the plastic trim and see what’s happening up close. You can easily find the panel covering the pillar between the front and back door. After taking out the trim and figuring out if a twisted seat belt is the cause, put the plastic panel back to determine if you have fixed the issue or need a seat belt repair.
The Seat Belt is Old
Car owners who have had their vehicle for a long time could also deal with a malfunctioning seat belt after some time. Because of the number of times you use your seat belt through the years, it could accumulate a buildup of dirt and grime.
When particles find their way in your seat belt, it can make it harder for you to release your seat belt or use it properly. One way to prevent the situation from happening is to visit a seat belt repair shop and get it sorted out.
The Car Went Through an Accident
If you have gone through an unfortunate car collision in the past, your seat belt will most likely experience the impact too, blowing the pre-tensioner and leaving your seat belt locked up. When this happens, you have the option to buy new seat belt pre-tensioners.
But if you’re on a budget and you wish to settle for a more affordable solution, you could continue using your old ones and aim for seat belt repair services instead. That way, you get your hands on cheaper alternatives and still have your seat belt fixed in no time.
Conclusion
Your car seat belt is an integral part of your vehicle because you can’t guarantee you remain safe when you’re behind the wheel without a seat belt holding you in place. Some common reasons your seat belt isn’t releasing right are a defective retractor and a twisted seat belt. Other causes could be having an old seat belt and experiencing a car accident.
Are you looking for a car seat belt repair shop in California for your vehicle? Seat Belt Restore provides custom color seat belts, seat belt repairs, and SRS airbag module reset services. Get in touch with us today to book an appointment!