1994 Pontiac Grand Am Owner's Manual - Page 43

Seats & Restraint Systems Larger Children(CONT.) Wherever the child sits, the lap portion of the belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, just touching the child's thighs. This applies belt force to the child's pelvic bones in a crash. Checking Your Restraint Systems Now and then, make sure all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors, anchorages and reminder systems are working properly. Look for any loose parts or damage. If you see anything that might keep a restraint system from doing its job, have it repaired. Replacing Safety Belts After a Crash . . [f 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. For passenger sedans,if you ever see a label on a right front safety belt that says to replace the belt,be sure to do so. Then the new belt will be there to help protect you in an accident. You would see this label on the belt nearthe'latchplate. Safety Belt Extender If the vehicle's safety belt will fasten around you, you should use it. The automatic lap-shoulder belt has plenty of extra length built in, so it will fasten around almost all people. But if a safetybelt 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 for you, and just for the seat in your vehicle that you choos'e. 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 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 the of collision. If your seat adjuster won't work after a crash, the special part the safety belt of that goes through the seat'tothe adjuster may need to be- replaced. ...42