Seatbelts

Compulsory seatbelt wearing has been credited with saving countless lives in crashes, yet seatbelts are one of the most overlooked of all motor vehicle safety features.

The primary role of the seat belt is to prevent vehicle occupants being ejected from the vehicle, or from contacting the interior surfaces of the vehicle during a crash.

Even in vehicles fitted with airbags, the seatbelt remains the primary method of occupant restraint. Devices such as airbags, pre-tensioners and seatbelt webbing clamps are additional restraint devices that supplement the effect of the seatbelt, hence the collective term Supplementary Restraint System, given to them by some vehicle manufacturers.

Airbags are not designed to replace seatbelts. In fact, seatbelts hold the occupant in the correct position to maximize airbag effectiveness.

In spite of the importance of seat belts, the neglect shown to them, and some of the creative and dangerous repair methods used on them, is truly amazing.

Seat belts, like any other part of the car, require regular inspections to ensure they are safe and serviceable. But unlike mechanical servicing that requires a degree of mechanical knowledge, this is simply a matter of visual inspection and a check of the belt's operation.

Seatbelt maintenance and checks

• Seatbelts should be kept clean, as dirt and grit will cause internal damage to the fibres that make up the webbing. Use only mild soap and lukewarm water to clean the webbing, and never use bleach or solvents.
• The webbing should not be frayed or damaged, nor should it be sun bleached.
• The webbing should be securely attached to its end fittings and the stitching should not be frayed or damaged. It should also be flat throughout its entire length. Warping indicates that the belt has been stretched (often a sign that it has been worn in a crash) and should be replaced immediately.
• The tongue and buckle assemblies should securely latch and eject freely when released. Plastic and metal components should have no signs of cracks, warps, deformation or other damage.
• All anchorage points should be securely fastened and be free of corrosion and damage.
• For vehicles fitted with metal cable-type seat belt stalks, grip the buckle assembly and twist it clockwise and then anti-clockwise. A "clicking" noise from inside the cable indicates a broken "memory wire" which, if left unattended, can cause the stalk to fail completely.
• The retracting mechanism should be tested by grasping the webbing and pulling it out suddenly. The belt should lock and then freely retract when released. When moved slowly the belt should pull out and retract fully without sticking or binding.

Should any of these danger signs be present, or there is any doubt about a belts safety there is no option but to replace the assembly. Your life and those of your passengers depend on it. If you are unsure of the condition of the belt consult your mechanic. 

Never buy used belts from a wrecking yard, as their history is completely unknown.