After a crash, do you replace vehicle seatbelts?

[MomToEliEm]

I was reading an article on the graco website (http://www.gracobaby.com/assets/pdfs/instructions/Tips_On_Buckling_Up_Your_Child.pdf) where the author stated that the carseat and the seatbelt need to be replaced after a crash. I can see replacing a seatbelt after a moderate to severe crash where the seatbelt hardware or fibers might have been broken, but maybe not after a minor crash.

What criteria would you use to determine when to replace a seatbelt that was occupied during a crash?

[CDNTech]

I get mine inspected and leave it to the professionals.

I think if I had any structural damage to the vehicle (frame bent, ect.), I would insist on seatbelts that were in use be replaced.

[joolsplus3]

Yes, any good auto body shop will have it in the computer...it's part of the laundry list of things to inspect for after a crash. (LATCH must 'be inspected' if a seat was installed...I don't know what they are looking for or if it's possible to replace LATCH bars, though...?)

[Melanie]

Just want to add that some manufactures (I know Honda is one) recommend all seatbelts be replaced after a crash, even if unoccupied.

Here is my non-car person explination of why: an accident causes a mechanism in the seatbelt to tighten and lock. This mechanism is activated even if no one is using that belt.

[joolsplus3]

That may be true, but the story is more likely that it's the pretensioners (an explosive mechanism in usually the front seats, but may one day be in all seats) are the only belts/parts that need replacing. In a normal seatbelt, you can jerk it fast and make it lock, same as a crash, and that would not require replacing, it's a normal occurence. Here's a good page on it, and pretensioners are the next page... http://auto.howstuffworks.com/seatbelt3.htm

[UlrikeDG]

Definitely check the vehicle manual (http://www.car-seat.org/showthread.php?t=25262)!

[joolsplus3]

Heh, I wondered how I 'knew' that. :D