Are you dealing with a seatbelt that seems to have a mind of its own? If so, we understand how annoying a seatbelt that always gets stuck for some odd reason can be. Not only can it drive you nuts trying to put the seatbelt on, but it can even demotivate you to put on the seatbelt entirely. Unfortunately, a seatbelt that always seemingly locks itself up or gets jammed is an issue that’s more prevalent than you think. Most, if not all, drivers have some experience with seat belts that always somehow locks themselves or seems to jam all the time, which does nothing more than hurt the driving experience.
That being said, what exactly is causing the seatbelt to lock up? In addition, what can be done to fix this issue? These are the two questions we’re going to be answering today:
What Is Causing the Seatbelt to Get Stuck?
There are tons of reasons a seatbelt can get stuck, and it all starts at the retractor.
Retractors are designed to get stuck, but only for good reasons. Its internal mechanisms are designed so that any rapid movement or change in vehicle speed will cause the belt to hold its length. This is to ensure you do not get flung forward or get tossed around the car in the event of an accident. Unfortunately, this also means that if you pull the belt too fast or lean forward too quickly, the belt can get stuck. Even sudden braking can cause the mechanism to kick in.
While it may seem that your seat belt getting stuck is normal, there are actual problems the retractors can face that can heighten the jamming issue. Everything from debris getting stuck in the internal mechanism down to a faulty retractor can cause the belt to unnecessarily get stuck. Even a previous accident could have damaged the mechanism, causing it to act the way it isn’t supposed to. As such, if you notice your belt always getting stuck when it isn’t supposed to, there’s a high chance your retractors are facing an issue.
What Can Be Done to Fix a Problematic Seatbelt?
If you believe that there is a problem with the seatbelt causing the jams, one of the best ways to fix the problem is to replace the seat belt retractor. If you have the money, you can opt to purchase an entirely new belt or go for a used seat belt as a more affordable route. If you do not want to completely replace the whole thing, you can opt to have them restored to factory conditions. All of these things can be done by mechanics for you, ensuring that the seatbelt is fully functional and ready to keep you safe the next time you hit the road.
Conclusion
However you go about fixing the seatbelt, always remind yourself that the seatbelt is one of your car’s most essential safety features. As such, you should not skimp on repairing the seatbelt should any problem arise, not to mention go for the cheapest route to get it fixed. You’re far better off having professionals fully fix and restore your seat belt. Whether through a complete replacement of the seatbelt or restoration of its various parts, they will ensure the seatbelts are fully reliable and headache-free!
SRS Restore offers post-accident repairs and rebuilds to restore seat belts to their full functionality. If you require seat belt repair services in Westfield, MA, work with us today!