Safety Belt Extender
If the vehicle’s safety belt will fasten around you,
you
should use it.
But if a safety belt isn’t long enough
to
fasten, your
dealer will order
you
an extender. It’s free. When
you
go
in
to
order it, take
the
heaviest coat you will wear,
so
the
extender will be long enough for
you.
The extender will
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. Look for any other
loose or damaged safety belt system parts. If
you
see
anything that might keep
a
safety belt 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.
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 belts?
After a very minor collision, nothing may be necessary.
But if the belts were stretched, as they would be
if
worn
during a more severe crash, then
you
need new belts.
If belts
are
cut or damaged, replace them. Collision
damage also may mean
you
will need to have safety belt
or seat parts repaired or replaced. New parts and repairs
may be necessary
even
if the belt 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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