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
retailer 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
your seat adjuster won’t work after a crash, the special
part of the safety belt that goes through the seat to the
adjuster may need to be replaced.
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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