1997 Buick Park Avenue Owner's Manual - Page 59

Safety Belt Extender If the vehicle's safety belt will fasten around you, you should use it. But if a safety belt isn't long enough to fasten, your dealer will order you an extender. It's free. When you go in to order it, take the heaviest coat you will wear, so the extender will be long enough for you. The extender will be just foryou, and just for the seat in your vehicle that you choose. Don't let someone else use it, and use it only for the seat it ismade to fit. To wear it, just attach it to the regular safety belt. Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash If you've had a crash, do you need new belts? After a very minor collision, nothing may be necessary. But if the belts were stretched, as they would be if worn during a more severe crash, then you need newbelts. If belts are cut or damaged, replace them. Collision damage also may mean you will need to have safety belt or seat parts repaired or replaced. New parts and repairs may be necessary even if the belt wasn't being used at the time of the collision. If an air bag inflates, you'll need to replace air bag system parts. See the part on the air bag system earlier in this section. Checking Your Restraint Systems Now and then, make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages are working properly. Look for any other loose ordamaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything that might keep a safety belt system from doing its job, have it repaired. Tom or frayed safety belts may not protect you in a crash. They can ripapart under impact forces. If a belt is torn or frayed, get a new one right away. Also look for any opened or broken air bag covers, and have them repaired or replaced. (The airbag system does not need regular maintenance.) 1-47