Some smart things to know about seat belts

Seat belts

I ran across a YouTube short a week or so ago with some smart things about seat belts to know and do. It’s from someone called Hacer en casa, who seems to run a channel devoted to tips and tricks on lots of things.

But back to seat belts, there are four useful tips.

— First, if you’re looking at a car to buy, he recommends pulling the seat belt out as far as it will go and look for water marks, mud or dirt. These would be sure signs the car was once flooded. Run!

— Second, check the date stamped on the tag at the point where the belt attaches to the car. A belt newer than the car itself likely means it was in an accident. Damage can be properly repaired so running away from this vehicle would depend on whether the owner is trying to hide the accident or if other problems like misaligned body parts and poor handling exist.

— Third, and a potential lifesaver, if you’re trapped in the car, the seat belt clip can be used in your hand like a brass knuckle to smash against and break the window! Never would have thought of this.

— Finally, and one I’ve seen before somewhere, the belt can be used to as a strap to help pull the car out of harm’s way if stalled. Leave the power on and the vehicle in neutral, pull the belt out an open door and close the door on it to keep it in place. Then “step” inside with the belt around a shoulder and pull.

Check out the link here for the video itself. The visuals are helpful.

——————————————————————-

The material on these pages is provided for information sharing purposes only and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business, nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.

Remember — only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.

Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.

Privacy Policy