Safety belt damage and replacement

Safety belts suffer wear and tear and this can make them unsafe. This will probably be picked up at your next warrant of fitness inspection but you should get it fixed before then if you find this problem.

Common problems include:

• Fraying and cuts to the belt material (also called the 'webbing'). Even a small tear in the webbing can decrease its strength by up to 60%. In a crash the belt could snap.
• Fading of the belt. Prolonged exposure to sunlight reduces a belt's strength and as a result it could snap in a crash.
• Damaged buckles. In a crash a damaged buckle could release the belt.
• The belt won't retract. The 'retractor' makes your belt fit snugly. In a crash a damaged retractor may fail to stop you from being thrown forward into the steering wheel, dashboard or windscreen.

Whatever the problem, a damaged safety belt could cost you your life.

Any belt that has been in a serious crash should be replaced, as it may not work properly afterwards.

Last updated: 14 December 2007