Seat Belt Pre-Tensioner: What You Need to Know

A seat belt system will keep you safe and secure while inside your vehicle. In many cases, this simple strip of polyester could mean the difference between life and death if you get into an accident. The component that keeps you strapped in during a collision or brake is the seat belt pre-tensioner. But how does it work and why is it so important? That’s what we’ll be discussing today!

How Does it Work

When you get into an accident, a sudden deceleration takes place. Your car has sensors that detect this, which triggers the seat belt pre-tensioner to send a force that moves a piston in the system. The piston will turn a spool, causing the strap to get wrapped around it. All of these things happen in less than a second. And when this happens, the strap will lose its slack, which will make it impossible for you to move. 

When your seatbelt tightens, you stay secure in your seat and the airbag system deploys. If you’re not wearing your seat belt in an accident, that the airbag often isn’t enough to save you. In fact, the force of an impact can be strong enough to send you flying through the front windshield even before the airbag deploys. 

When you’re strapped down to your seat, your body is in the right position in front of the airbag, which will reduce the physical blow. 

Seat Belt Pre-Tensioner Replacement

Once you get into an accident, you will need to have the seat belt pre-tensioner replaced. The good news is, you don’t need to break the bank for this. While some people choose to replace this seat belt component themselves, it’s best to work with seat belt repair and replacement companies like Safety Restore. We will ensure your seat belt system is working correctly and able to protect you in the worst-case scenario.

The Cost of Seat Belt Pre-Tensioner Replacement

Wondering how much a seat belt pre-tensioner replacement costs? Expect to pay between $150 and $200. Here’s a simple breakdown: 

• Cost of parts: $50-$100
• Cost of labor: $100-$125

Seat belt pre-tensioner replacement doesn’t necessarily require a mechanic, and some people do those to save money by DIY-ing the task. For the best outcome, though, look for a specialist that offers seat belt pre-tensioner repair and replacement. Usually, it’s just a matter of sending them the used pre-tensioner and having them repair and ship it back to you. By having the pre-tensioner repaired or rebuilt, you can commute safely without worrying about a broken seat belt system.

Get Quality Seat Belt Pre-Tensioner Replacement

It’s crucial to ensure that your seat belt system is in good condition. Otherwise, it won’t save you from an accident. Remember—road accidents happen all the time and even if you’re an exemplary driver, there are others on the road who may not be. Therefore, it’s essential to always plan for the worst. 

Your seat belt pre-tensioner must be in good condition at all times. So, if you recently got into an accident, even though you think your seat belt system is still working properly, you need to have the pre-tensioner replaced or repaired. 

For quality seat belt repairs in Westfield, MA, we can help you here at Safety Restore. We rebuild locked and blown seat belts for all makes and models within 24 hours. Contact us!