You’ve probably heard this already as you were growing up: seatbelts are vital in every vehicle. In case there’s an accident or a major collision or whatnot, a seat belt can provide the needed protection in that life and death scenario. In some situations when there’s panic braking involved, having a seat belt on can make the difference between staying seated and projectile launching out the windshield.
While that sounds rather extreme, it’s not entirely impossible. After all, accidents can happen at any time. That’s what makes seat belt maintenance absolutely crucial.
Seat Belt Maintenance
Several steps go into maintaining a seat belt system in a vehicle. This involves the following:
- Have the parts stripped down. – Cleaning seat belts involves stripping them down into parts. Remove buttons and mount tabs with a screwdriver and paint scrapers. Don’t forget to turn the buckles on a soft surface up and down after they’ve been removed.
- Get thorough seat belt cleaning done. – Sometimes, there are stains and dirt that end up on seat belts. That usually happens for a number of reasons, including drinking or eating during trips. Dirty seat belts, when left unattended, will end up in a fragile state as the material will disintegrate. The best way to address this is through lukewarm water and a mild soap solution. It’s crucial to maintain the integrity of a seatbelt at the basic level. Avoid strong cleaners such as detergent, acidic bleach, or any dyes.
- Make sure that detailing and polishing aren’t overlooked. – Some buckles have steel parts that end up corroding, but they can be addressed. Steel wool or high-grade chrome cleaners can be used in order to get it polished thoroughly. When it comes to buckle covers that are made of plastic, detailing becomes much easier than steel buckles. In those cases, a mix of water and liquid dish soap must be used, alongside sandpaper and wet-sand. A light coat of paint swirl remover should also be applied, rubbing into it with a soft synthetic pad.
- Make sure the buckle area stays clear regularly. – Aside from dust and dirt, the buckle area is prone to the likes of liquids. They will be unable to work well in the long run if clogging happens. This can be resolved by a quick spray of WD40, leading to smooth buckles without rust. If you’re experiencing issues with safety belts or holders due to faulty springs, bring them to an authorized service center for professional attention.
What about Seat Belt Replacement?
If a seat belt was involved in a vehicular crash, it needs to be replaced. That way, your seat belt will still be durable and just as reliable in the future should it be necessary. Faulty seat belts will also need replacing for safety purposes.
Conclusion
Seat belt maintenance is vital because seat belts make all the difference in vehicular safety. The steps involve having the parts stripped down and getting thorough cleaning done. In some cases, full-on replacement is in order to make sure the safety of passengers is not compromised.
Need to get replacement seat belts? Reach out to Safety Restore today! We’re the world’s leader in post-accident restorations, and our specialty lies in both airbag modules as well as seat belt repairs.
