Common car seat belt issues and when you should schedule a repair

Once offered as optional accessories up until 1958 when they were made standard by Swedish Saab automotive company and then made legally required in 1984, car seat belts are an essential safety tool. With a plethora of safety technology at work in your Orlando Toyota vehicle, like Toyota SafetySense P and the Star Safety System, it seems like car seat belts and other bare bones safety tools have become obsolete. In reality, according to the National Highway Safety Administration, an estimated 15,000 lives are saved each year from using this safety technology by preventing passengers from being ejected from their Orlando Toyota vehicles during impact from a crash.

Believe it or not, your car seat belt assembly and operation can run into issues just like any other part of your Orlando Toyota vehicle and drivers should always be on the lookout for these maintenance issues. Lucky for you, Toyota of Orlando is here with an easy to follow guide on what to look for if you think your seat belts are running into problems and when you should start thinking about getting them repaired.

Car seat belt issues to look for

When it comes to your Orlando Toyota vehicle’s seat belts, time is of the essence for repairs. Your seat belts are one of the most important pieces of equipment working to keep you safe on the road. If you notice any of these issues occurring, make sure to bring your vehicle to one of our expert auto service techs at Toyota of Orlando! They’d be more than happy to help you get your seat belts working again. Here are a few common car seat belt issues to look for:

Retractor issues

In every car seat belt assembly there’s a retractor at work maintaining tension and locking the belt in place in the event of sudden deceleration or stopping. If this part of your seat belt fails, typically the belt will fall loosely or won’t fit snugly across your chest while driving. You can also test the retractor by pulling hard and quickly on the belt to see if it locks and returns to its original position.

Damaged webbing

Your car seat belt is made of a combination of polyester woven around warp straps that provide cushion and strength. While the material is tough and doesn’t get damaged too often, rips and tears can still form over time which leaves you driving unsafe in your Orlando Toyota vehicle. Unfortunately, if your seat belt webbing becomes damaged, a full belt replacement is required.

False latching

Some seat belts can seem engaged and working properly, but during an accident or sudden stop they could underperform or fail. While unlatching is rare, be sure to test your seat belt extensively.

Fix your car seat belt at Toyota of Orlando

Your seat belt is simple yet effective in keeping you and other drivers safe on the road. Make sure to diligently check for issues and if you find one, visit our expert auto service team at Toyota of Orlando! Give us a call at (407) 298 – 0001 to schedule an appointment today!