Replacing Restraint System PartsAfter a Crash{CAUTION:A crash can damage the restraint systems inyour vehicle. A damaged restraint system maynot properly protect the person using it,resulting in serious injury or even death in acrash. To help make sure your restraintsystems are working properly after a crash,have them inspected and any necessaryreplacements made as soon as possible.If you’ve had a crash, do you need new belts or LATCHsystem parts?After a very minor collision, nothing may be necessary.But if the belts were stretched, as they would be if wornduring a more severe crash, then you need new parts.If the LATCH system was being used during a moresevere crash, you may need new LATCH system parts.If belts are cut or damaged, replace them. Collisiondamage also may mean you will need to have LATCHsystem, safety belt or seat parts repaired or replaced.New parts and repairs may be necessary even if the beltor LATCH system wasn’t being used at the time ofthe collision.If an air bag inflates, you’ll need to replace air bagsystem parts. See the part on the air bag system earlierin this section.If the frontal air bags inflate, you’ll also need to replacethe driver’s and right front passenger’s safety beltbuckle assembly. Be sure to do so. Then the new buckleassembly will be there to help protect you in a collision.1-58
