1998 Buick Century Owner's Manual - Page 76

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 extenderwill be just for you, and just for the seat inyour vehicle that you choose. Don't let someone else use it, and use it only for the seat it is made to fit.To wear it, just attach it to the regular safety belt. If your vehicle has the built-in child restraint, torn or frayed harness straps can rip apart under impact forces just like torn or frayed safety belts can. They may not protect a child in a crash. If a harness strap is tom or frayed, get a new harness right away. Also look for any opened or broken air bag covers, and have them repaired or replaced. (The air bag system does not need regular maintenance.) Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash If you've had a crash, do you need new safety belts or built-in child restraint parts? After a very minor collision, nothing may be necessary. But if the safety belts or built-in child restraint harness straps were stretched, as they would be worn during more severe crash, if a then you need new safety belts or harness straps. If safety belts or built-in child restraint harness straps are cut or damaged, replace them. Collision damage may also mean you will need to have safety belt, built-in child restraint or seat parts repairedor replaced. New parts and repairs may be necessary even if the safety belt or built-in child restraint wasn't being used at the time the collision. of Checking Your Restraint Systems Now and then, make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages areworking properly. If your vehicle has a built-in child restraint, also periodically make sure the harness straps, latch plates, buckle, clip, retractors and anchorages are working properly. Look for any other loose ordamaged safety belt and built-in child restraint system parts. If you see anything that might keep a safety belt or built-in child restraint system from doing its job,have it repaired. Torn or frayed safety belts may not protect you in a crash. They can rip apart under impact forces. If a belt is torn or frayed,get a new one right away. If an air bag inflates, you'll needto replace air bag system parts. See the part on the air bag system earlier section. in this 1-68