be just for you, and just for
the
seat
in
your vehicle that
you choose. Don’t let someone else
use
it, and
use
it
only for the seat
it
is made
to
fit.
To
wear it,
just
attach it
to the regular safety belt.
Checking Your Restraint Systems
Now and then, make sure
the
safety belt reminder light
and all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and
anchorages are working properly.
If
your vehicle has a
built-in child restraint, also periodically make sure the
harness straps, latch plates, buckle, clip, retractors and
anchorages are working properly. Look for any other
loose or damaged safety belt and built-in child restraint
system parts. If you see anything that might keep a
safety belt or built-in child restraint system from doing
its job, have it repaired.
Torn or frayed safety belts may not protect you
in
a
crash. They can rip apart under impact forces. If a belt is
torn or frayed, get a new one right away.
If
your
vehicle has the built-in child restraint, torn or
frayed harness straps can rip apart under impact forces
just like torn or frayed safety belts can.
They
may not
protect a child
in
a
crash. If a harness strap
is
torn or
frayed, get a new harness right away.
Also look for any opened or broken air bag covers, and
have them repaired or replaced. (The air bag system
does not need regular maintenance.)
Replacing Restraint System Parts
After
a
Crash
If
you’ve had a crash, do you need new safety belts
or
built-in child restraint parts?
After a very minor collision, nothing may be necessary.
But if the safety belts
or
built-in child restraint harness
straps were stretched, as
they
would be if worn during
a
more severe crash, then you need new safety belts or
harness straps.
If
safety belts or built-in child restraint harness straps
are cut or damaged, replace them. Collision damage also
may mean you will need to have safety belt, built-in
child restraint or seat parts repaired or replaced. New
parts and repairs may be necessary even if the safety belt
or built-in child restraint wasn’t being used at
the
time
of the collision.
If an air bag inflates, you’ll need to replace air bag
system parts. See the part
on
the air bag system earlier
in
this section.
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