Seat belts are one of the most crucial car safety components, significantly reducing the risk of serious injury or death in the event of a collision. But a seat belt can only protect you if it’s in proper working condition. A damaged, worn, or faulty seat belt may fail during an accident, putting you and your passengers at serious risk.
Since seat belt use became compulsory in the UK in 1983, it’s estimated that over 50 million lives have been saved. Yet, according to data from the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS), in a given year around 30% of road fatalities in Britain occur when individuals aren’t wearing a seat belt.
As a driver, you’re legally responsible for ensuring all passengers wear seat belts, but also for checking the condition of those belts. Knowing when to replace a seat belt can be life-saving.
In this article, we’ll walk you through 5 warning signs that your seat belt needs replacing, so you can stay safe and road-legal.
Inspect the seat belt regularly for cuts, frays, tears, burn marks, or other visible wear. Damage to the seat belt webbing or components such as the buckle or retractor compromises the belt’s strength and can cause it to fail under pressure.
What to look for:
If you spot any of these issues, the seat belt should be replaced immediately.
A seat belt should feel firm and retract easily. If the webbing stretches too much or fails to retract properly, it may no longer provide adequate restraint in a crash.
Quick test: Gently pull the belt and try to stretch it. If it feels overly loose or doesn’t return to its original position, it’s time for a replacement.
Exposure to sunlight and extreme temperatures can degrade seat belt materials over time. UV rays can weaken fibres, while heat can cause plastic components to melt or crack.
Signs of heat damage include:
If any parts appear sun-damaged, replacing the entire seat belt assembly is recommended.
Check metal parts like the buckle (tongue), anchor, and retractor mechanism for rust, corrosion, or cracks. These parts are essential for holding the belt securely during an impact.
Inspect for:
Rust can rapidly spread and weaken these parts, so don’t delay replacing them.
Did you know that seat belts can be attacked by mould?
A musty or damp smell from your seat belt can indicate mildew. Mildew can slowly break down the webbing material, reducing its strength.
Check for:
If the smell lingers even after cleaning, it’s likely the webbing has been compromised and needs replacing.
Even if a seat belt appears undamaged, age alone can affect performance. Over time, materials degrade naturally. Most safety experts and manufacturers recommend replacing seat belts every 10 years, regardless of visible wear.
Not sure how old your seat belt is? Check your vehicle’s manual or contact the seat belt manufacturer for guidance.
At WEBRE, we stock a wide range of replacement seat belts, seat belt buckles, and vehicle safety components, all made with high-quality materials and ECE R16 certified to comply with European safety regulations.
Don’t take risks with worn or faulty seat belts. If you’re experiencing any of the signs listed above, now is the time to take action.
Need advice or unsure which part you need? Or perhaps you need to re-web your seat belts? Contact our team with your questions – we’re happy to help.
3 Parsons Green Estate, Boulton Rd Stevenage SG1 4QG, United Kingdom
3 Parsons Green Estate Boulton Rd, Stevenage SG1 4QG, United Kingdom
3 Parsons Green Estate, Boulton Rd, Stevenage, United Kingdom, SG1 4QG
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