Why You Need to Repair the Seat Belt After an Accident
Posted by Artem Martynyuk on
There’s no denying that a seat belt is the most important safety mechanism installed in modern vehicles. It must be working properly and fastened securely in place when you’re hitting the road so that it can keep you safe during a car collision. Besides that, an airbag won’t be able to provide a cushion to your body if you aren’t wearing a seat belt and suddenly get displaced.
But one of the frequently asked questions is whether or not you need to repair the seat belt after a vehicle accident. The simple answer is yes, and we will discuss further about its importance in the sections below:
Why you need to repair your seat belt after an accident
What you need to know is the fact that your seat belt’s mechanisms may no longer work soon after a car accident. The chances are that some of its parts or components get severely impacted or damaged due to the collision. For this reason, the most logical course of action is to repair its parts or replace the entire device.
On a more specific note, a car crash will likely cause the gas charge to ignite, leaving your seat belt locked in place. This igniter must be deployed promptly by triggering a small explosive device called an inflator as part of the seat belt retractor mechanism. Once activated, it will no longer work again. Because of this, getting your seat belt fixed or replaced is a must!
What to inspect before the seat belt repair or replacement
In general, a seat belt must be checked and examined first before the repair takes place. The inspection process typically involves a computerized scan that generates a “complete list of diagnostic trouble codes.” These codes indicate what parts or components need to be fixed or replaced. From there, a qualified technician will perform the necessary tasks, whether to repair its parts or replace them completely.
What it takes to fix a seat belt or some of its parts
Now, if you’re wondering what seat belt parts need to be repaired, keep in mind that it is controlled by sensors that communicate with the airbag system. As such, the repair isn’t solely confined to the seat belt alone. For your reference, below are components that need to be fixed:
- Seat belt parts (retractors, buckles, and pre-tensioners)
- Sensors
- Igniter
- Inflator
This seat belt repair must be carried out by a highly experienced expert as they tackle one or some of the parts mentioned above. As far as the replacement is concerned, it must be performed by a professional technician based on the OEM specifications and resistance requirements.
Here at Repair My SRS, we perform seat belt repairs after a vehicle accident. Our services include retractor mechanism rebuilding using OEM parts and a new gas-charged ignitor replacement. With our fast and affordable alternative solution to a seat belt replacement, you can rest assured that we’ve got you covered!
Conclusion
Your seat belt must always be in top shape and working order whenever you hit the road. To that end, be sure to consider all the valuable information on seat belt repair or replacement discussed above. After a collision, remember that you need to repair or replace the seat belt as it may be locked out or some of its parts may be damaged and no longer be working. Not only will seat belts protect you and your passengers, but they will also save lives!
Are you looking to repair your seat belt after a car accident? We’ve got you covered! We’re an accident restoration company providing SRS airbag module reset and seat belt retractor repair in Westfield, MA. Get in touch with us today to see how we can help!