1996 Oldsmobile Achieva Owner's Manual - Page 53

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 retailer will order you an extender. It's free. When you go in to orderit, 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 is made to fit. To wear it, justattach 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 new belts. If belts are cut or damaged, replace them. Collision damage also may mean you will needto 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 your seat adjuster won't work after a crash, the special part of the safety belt that goes through the seat to the adjuster may need to 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. 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 or damaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything that might keep a safety belt 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 tom 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 air bag system does not need regular maintenance.)