Seat belts should always be in pristine condition since it’s an essential feature that keeps you safe in case you run into a car accident. So if you notice any minor flaws such as cuts, rips, or trouble with its retractor, then it deserves an immediate fix. This is because it needs to function to its full capabilities if you want to continue relying on the seat belt to effectively protect you on the road.
While it’s tempting to save a few bucks by addressing the damages yourself, there are plenty of malfunctions that professional restoration technicians can handle better. If your seat belt fails due to poor DIY methods, then there’s a high risk of losing your car insurance since it won’t cover damages done directly by your hand.
With that in mind, the list below explores different seat belt damages you should have repaired or replaced by an expert mechanic:
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Seat Belt Webbing Damage
Seat belts use strong fabric that is designed to hold against extreme force, but the webbing can sustain wear-and-tear through time. Once there are tears, frays, or cuts, no matter how minor it may seem, there’s a high risk of the seat belt snapping under the load when there’s a sudden vehicle collision.
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Seat Belt Buckle Damage
The seat belt buckle may look straightforward, but it has plenty of inner working parts that can fail from constant use. It can develop rust or corrosion over time, both of which can render the buckle useless. A faulty buckle can be a fatal problem, so if you’re struggling to insert the seat belt cause it won’t latch on, it needs to be replaced by calling over a professional mechanic.
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Seat Belt Retractor Damage
The retractor is one of the hardest working components since it is responsible for retracting or releasing the seat belt, so it’s also the quickest one to get worn out. This needs a full replacement since the inner parts won’t be serviceable.
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Sticky Seat Belt
When you pull on your seat belt and notice that it moves slower than usual, then it’s likely to stick due to grime build-up on the webbing. This is one of the few minor damages that you can DIY since cleaning the sticky problem with soapy water is enough to fix it!
The Bottom Line: The DIY Approach to Fixing Broken Seatbelts Leads to Driving with a Liability On Board
Your vehicle’s seat belt can be all the difference between life or death in a vehicle collision, so it’s critical to ensure this essential safety feature remains in good, working condition whenever you’re out on the road.
Unless you’re a professional mechanic, it’s always better to let qualified restoration companies like Safety Restore fix your seat belt issues to minimize risks in the long run. After all, it’s never a good idea to play expert when you’re dealing with something potentially fatal.
Are You Looking for Seat Belt Repair or Replacement Services Near St. Westfield, MA?
We’re a leading post-accident restoration company in the USA that provides quality seat belt repairs and airbag modules. If you’re looking for experts to repair or replace your seat belts, get in touch with us today at (855) 552-7233 and see what we can do to improve your driving experience.