1997 Pontiac Grand Am Owner's Manual - Page 55

Safety Belt Extender If the vehicle's safety belt will fasten around you, you should use it. But if a safetybelt isn't long enough to fasten, your dealer will order you an extender. It's free. When yougo 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 forthe 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, justattach it to the regular safety belt. Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash If you've had acrash, do you need new belts? After a very minor collision, nothing may be neces 1san But if the belts were stretched, as they would be if worn during a more severe crash, then you need new belts. 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 benecessary even if the belt wasn't being used at the time of the collision. Checking Your Restraint Systems Now and then, make sure the safety beltreminder light and all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages are working properly. Look for any other loose or damaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything that might keep a safety beltsystem from doing its job,have it repaired. Torn or frayed safety belts may not protect you in a crash. Theycan rip apart under impact forces. If a beltis torn or frayed, get a new one right away. Also look for any openedor broken air bagcovers, and have them repaired or replaced. (The air bag system does not need regular maintenance.) If your seat adjuster won't workafter a crash, the special part of the safety belt that goes through the seat to the adjuster may needto be replaced. 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,