Seatbelt Maintenance Tips

The next time you take your vehicle in for an auto service you might consider asking your mechanic to have a look at your seat belts. Most regular servicing will concentrate on the engine and mechanical operation of your vehicle but it’s important to occasionally check on the safety equipment too. Airbags are a vital part of your safety equipment but the seat belts are probably the most commonly used piece of equipment in your vehicle.

For this reason they deserve some special attention and it is worthwhile making sure you have them checked at least once every six months.

It’s a frightening statistic when you realise that nearly 65% of people who are killed in auto accidents are not wearing their seat belts. Of those who were killed, the most common age group is the 16 to 25-year-olds and experts have noted that this same age group is usually associated with the most drink-driving offences which occur in the nation. In fact, similar statistics apply in most countries around the world.

Most older adults will agree that at a similar age, the same feeling of indestructibility meant an increased susceptibility to ignoring simple safety rules. That’s why it is important to make sure that the safety equipment in the car can protect against this stupidity, and the seatbelt is the obvious choice.

So, what can you do to make sure the seatbelts in your vehicle are up to the task? Let’s take a look at some seatbelt maintenance tips you can implement yourself.

• Cleaning seatbelts is a regular maintenance operation you should perform every time you clean the car. Make sure you use a proprietary cleaning product that is gentle enough to apply and will not corrode or fray the straps or buckles.
• Have your mechanic check the tension and make sure it is in line with regulatory safety standards. If you have adjustable straps, make sure they travel easily and can be adjusted to suit a passenger or driver of any height.
• One of the most important points you should cover is the seatbelt attachment that contains the baby capsules restraints. Fitting of baby capsules restraints is a specialist job which should only be undertaken at a licensed baby capsule fitting station. An ill fitting system can place your baby in great danger so it’s important to have it fitted properly.
• If the straps become frayed or do not travel easily through the buckles you should give consideration to replacing them. Naturally, your auto mechanic will be able to give you advice as to whether they meet the appropriate standard but, for peace of mind, replacement might be a better option for you.
• If your buckle is faulty, it should be replaced as soon as possible. There is no leeway when it comes to safety, your equipment either works or it does not. Replacement should be your only option.

Your auto mechanic is in the best position to assess the standard of your safety equipment particularly seat belts, so be prepared to take their advice and spend the money if you have to.