Seat belts are more useful than you think.

Seat belts are indispensable in a car because they can save our lives.

We all know it, don’t we?

But this part of our car hides 3 secrets that can help you when buying a used car.

It can also help you in emergencies.

In this post, we will talk about these 3 secrets of seat belts and how to use them properly to have a safer ride for you and your loved ones.

Let’s first talk about the 3 secrets of seat belts:

• When buying a used car, we stretch our seat belts to the maximum and check the bottom, looking for sediment. If the car has this, there’s a good chance that the car has been underwater. It’s not recommendable to buy it
• When we go to buy a car, check the manufacture date at the end of the seat belt. Then open the passenger door and look for the manufacture date on the nameplate. If the month is earlier than the month on the seat belt the car may have been involved in an accident. It’s recommendable to ask the car dealer for that change of seat belt.
• The metal part of the seat belt can help you to break your window in case of emergencies and the need to get out of the car quickly.

 What is the seat belt in my vehicle for?

This 3-point device prevents you from being thrown through the windshield in the event of sudden braking.

In less serious accidents, it prevents you from hitting the dashboard, other seats, or your movements from hurting other passengers.

How to use seat belts correctly to prevent accidents?

Before telling you how to use it, you should check that the belt is in good condition.

If you find lint, damage to the buckle, or any feature that prevents a good grip, replace it immediately.

Adapt the belt to your height. The band across your chest should go in the space between your shoulder and your neck.

It should never go over your neck or under your arm.

While the lower band should go over your hips. 

Watch what you wear. Don’t wear bulky clothing inside the vehicle, so the belt can fit snugly against your body.

Also, remove glasses from your shirt and any object that under the pressure of the belt can be damaged and hurt you. 

Do not recline your seat. You must keep it in an upright position so that the belt can support your body and avoid displacements. 

Do not carry children or pets in your arms. In case of an accident, they can get out of the vehicle or could hit other passengers.

It is also not an option to hold them with the belt since their function will be annulled.

Be careful on the road! Safety is always first for you and your beloved ones.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Seat Belts

✅ Why is wearing a seat belt important?
➡️ Seat belts prevent you from being ejected during a crash, reduce the impact on your body, and significantly lower the risk of severe injury or death.

✅ Do seat belts really reduce injuries?
➡️ Yes. According to multiple safety studies, seat belts reduce serious crash-related injuries by about 50%.

✅ Can seat belts fail during an accident?
➡️ Failures are rare. Most issues come from lack of maintenance, worn components, or incorrect use rather than design flaws.

✅ When should a seat belt be replaced?
➡️ Replace it if it’s frayed, doesn’t retract properly, has a damaged buckle, or after any significant accident, even if it appears normal.

✅ Is it safe to put the seat belt under my arm?
➡️ No. Wearing the belt incorrectly (under the arm or behind your back) increases the risk of chest, spinal, and internal injuries during a collision.

✅ Are seat belts required for all passengers?
➡️ Yes. Most regions legally require seat belts for every passenger, both in the front and back seats, because injuries can happen anywhere in the vehicle.

Stay up-to-date with the latest in the automotive world! Explore more posts on the Wheels Doctor Blog and follow us on social media @wheelsdoctor for exclusive content, tips, and updates!