Should You Replace Your Seat Belts?

Seat belts are like any other equipment on your vehicle. As the vehicle ages, they are likely to wear out and lose the ability to keep you safe. If you have an older vehicle or a vehicle with a few accidents under its belt, you may want to consider replacing the seat belts before a seat belt malfunction causes serious injury or death. It is a simple process that just might save your life and the lives of your passengers.

If your vehicle is ten years old or older, you should replace your seat belts. Even if it is a weekend vehicle or classic automobile that you hardly ever drive, the threads on the belt can stretch and loosen, and the hardware can wear out over time.

More often, you will consider replacing your seat belt following a motor vehicle accident. This is always a good idea, because even if you reset the seat belt after an accident, the belt may have suffered damage not visible to the naked eye. If there is another accident down the road, these defects could result in a catastrophic failure.

When replacing your seat belts, don’t balk about the cost. Yes, hiring a professional can cost $150 or more to replace a single seat belt. But, when you compare the cost of a seat belt replacement to that of a hospital stay, surgery, long-term recovery, etc., trust us when we say that whatever the price, it is a bargain. And, don’t do it yourself. Instead, hire a certified, professional mechanic, because if the seat belt you install fails in an accident, you could be named as the defendant in a personal injury lawsuit.

Of course, we understand that cost is a concern for any driver. The good news is that manufacturers such as Honda offer lifetime warranties on their seat belts, while others such as Toyota offer five years or 60,000-mile coverage. Thus, it’s worth your time to check with the manufacturer and see if a warranty covers your seat belts.

We know that even with proper care, maintenance, and prompt replacement, any driver or passenger can suffer an injury from a seat belt malfunction. When your seat belt fails to keep you safe, contact the Boulder legal team at Sloat, Nicholson & Hoover, P.C., and we will be happy to discuss your legal options.