5 Signs Your Seat Belt Needs To Be Replaced
Seat belts are the most important safety feature of a vehicle. A seat belt that is worn, frayed, or otherwise damaged can reduce its effectiveness in protecting you and your passengers during an accident.
It is estimated that seat belts have saved an estimated 50 million lives in the UK since they were made compulsory in 1983. To ensure a seat belt is protecting you properly, it’s important to replace it if any of the five signs below appear, which is why we decided to write this blog post on 5 signs your belt needs to be replaced.
Knowing how to spot signs of wear and tear in your seat belt may not be common knowledge, so we want to share our expertise with you here. While some warning signals are apparent, there could possibly be some that do not come immediately to mind – but it’s important for safety reasons! That is why we’re pleased to provide instruction on this topic.
If you notice any of the five signs below, it’s time to replace your seat belt.
1. Damage
Look for holes, burn marks, fraying or other visible damage on seat belt webbing or hardware. If you see any of these signs, replace your seat belt immediately, as it will no longer provide adequate protection in the event of an accident.
2. Worn-Out Webbing
Inspect seat belt webbing for tensile strength by trying to stretch it between your hands. If the seat belt webbing stretches easily and does not regain its original length, replace it as soon as possible.
3. Heat Damage
Seat belts that have been exposed to high temperatures can become brittle and break easily. If the seat belt webbing is discoloured or if the hardware has melted, it’s time to replace your seat belt.
4. Smells
If you detect a musty smell coming from your seat belt, this can be an indication of mildew. Replace seat belts with a musty smell, as mildew can weaken the seat belt webbing and hardware over time.
5. Age
In general, seat belts should be replaced every 10 years or sooner if any of the signs mentioned above are present. If you’re unsure how old your seat belt is, consult your user manual or contact the seat belt manufacturer.
Replacing seat belts is an important safety precaution and should not be taken lightly. If you notice any of these signs, replace your seat belt immediately for optimal protection.
At Orion Safety Belts, we specialise in seat belt repair and replacement. Our seat belts are all made from high-quality materials and will keep you safe and secure on the road. We offer a variety of seat belt services, including seat belt replacements, seat belt repairs, seat belt hardware repairs, seat belt webbing repairs and more. No matter your seat belt needs, our team of expert technicians is here to help get your car back up to safety standards as soon as possible. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help repair or replace your seat belt!
For more information on seat belt replacement and safety, please visit our website at https://www.orionsafetybelt.co.uk/blog. Thank you for taking the time to ensure your seat belts are safely installed!
Stay safe!
