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How to Tell if Your Seat Belt is Working Properly

21 March 2018

Last updated: November 24 2023

Seatbelts help save more than 13,000 lives a year and can cut your chance of being injured or killed in an auto accident in half. They are a very important safety feature in your car and ensuring that they function properly is one of the easiest ways to help keep yourself and your passengers safe and protected.

Visually Inspect the Fabric

The seatbelt fabric (know as the "webbing") should not be cut, frayed or overly worn in any spots. This fabric is meant to withstand a huge amount of force and a cut or rip may make it snap- leaving you or a rider unprotected. Pull the seat belt out as much as it can extend to inspect as much of the material as possible. If you see any signs of wear and tear, it is time to replace it.

Test the Buckle

The buckle should not be chipped or have any rust on the metal components. It should easily buckle and unbuckle without sticking or having to be forced in. In addition to inspecting the buckle itself, make sure you examine the button you push to release the buckle to make sure it is not damaged. If your seatbelt does not easily buckle and unbuckle, you need to replace the faulty part to fix the issue.

Extend and Retract the Belt

The seat belt webbing should smoothly extend and retract to comfortably fit someone sitting in the seat. It should not fit too snugly across the chest or lap and should allow you to lean forward and recline without it becoming too loose. If your seatbelt does not easily extend and retract, you may need to replace the spool in your retractor mechanism.

Activate the Locking Mechanism

Your seat belt retractor spool is equipped with a locking mechanism that stops the seat belt from extending when the car suddenly decelerates or the seat belt webbing is suddenly jerked outward, depending on the make and model of car. This locking helps stop your body's forward momentum when you are involved in an accident or need to perform an evasive maneuver to avoid an accident. If you are unsure of what type of seatbelt locking system your car has, try both systems of activating the locking mechanism to ensure that it is functioning correctly. If not, your retractor spool needs to be taken apart and a broken component either fixed or replaced.

Quality Seat Belt Repair from MyAirbags

If you find an issue with one or more components of your seat belt system, contact MyAirbags for fast, cost-effective seat belt repair and refurbishing services. You can also call 888-779-9029 or e-mail info@myairbags.com to speak with one of our experienced seat belt technicians.

How to Tell if Your Seat Belt is Working Properly

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How to Tell if Your Seat Belt is Working Properly

Visually Inspect the Fabric

Test the Buckle

Extend and Retract the Belt

Activate the Locking Mechanism

Quality Seat Belt Repair from MyAirbags

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