1998 Oldsmobile Achieva Owner's Manual - Page 61

Safety Belt Extender If the vehicle's safety beltwill 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 order it,take the heaviest coatyou will wear, so the extenderwill be long enough for you. The extender will be just foryou, and just forthe seatin your vehicle that you choose. Don't let someone elseuse it, and use it only for the seat it is made fit. To wear it, just attach it to to the regular safety belt. Replacing Restraint System Parts After a Crash If you've had a crash, do you need newbelts? After a very minor collision, nothing may be necessary. But if the belts were stretched, as they would be if worn during amore severe crash,then you need new belts. If belts arecut or damaged,replace them. Collision damage alsomay mean you will need tohave safety belt or seat parts repaired or replaced. parts and repairs New may be necessary even if the belt wasn't being used at the timeof the collision. If your seat adjusterwon't work after a crash, the special that part of the safety belt goes through the seatto the adjuster may need to be replaced. If an air bag inflates, you'll need to replace airbag system parts. See thepart on the air bag system earlier in this section. Checking Your Restraint Systems Now and then, make surethe safety belt reminder light and all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages areworking 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 torn or frayed, get new one rightaway. a 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.) 1-53