Seatbelt Pretensioner 101: 5 Key Facts You Should Know
Posted by Artem Martynyuk on
Given that every car, regardless of make or model, comes equipped with a seat belt, it should also feature a seat belt pretensioner. The seat belt pretensioner works with the seat belt to keep the driver and passenger safe. It is an addition to the standard seat belt that improves the safety of everyone inside a moving vehicle.
It helps if you fully understand how the seat belt pretensioner could save your life, whether you are a driver or a passenger.
Here are the five things you should know about your car's seatbelt pretensioner:
1. It Is an Electronic Device
Except for older vehicles, the seat belt pretensioner is an electronic device that works with other safety devices in the vehicle. This includes the airbag module, the seat belt buckle, and even the central locking system.
Even if your vehicle has a complex central locking system and a power supply system, the seat belt pretensioner is a straightforward device connected to the battery.
2. It Restrains Passengers in the Event of a Crash
A seat belt pretensioner in your car triggers a sound safety system as it prevents passengers from moving forward upon impact or sudden breaks. It also has a control unit that works with the car's airbag module to ensure safety.
This system also helps prevent neck and chest injuries and is commonly found in the front seat. A two-point seat belt is standard in the back, but it's not as safe.
Previously, only high-end luxury cars could do this, but it is now a standard in newer cars.
3. It Is Designed to Engage Automatically
In a crash, the seat belt pretensioner should instantly engage. Some cars even include a solenoid to unlock the safety feature. This allows the car owner to detach it quickly for removal.
When the crash sensors detect a collision, the pretensioner kicks in, the airbag should deploy first, then the pretensioner. Your body's quick movement will be restrained, minimizing your chances of being thrown from a moving car.
4. It's Not an Airbag Substitute
In many cases, the airbag is often mistaken for the seat belt pretensioner as they are both located in the same front seat. However, they are very different devices.
The airbag is designed to separate you from the steering wheel in the event of a crash, while the automatic seatbelt pretensioner is a safety device designed to restrain the passenger from moving forward upon impact.
The seat belt pretensioner is not a substitute for the airbag. The device can only help you limit the injuries you might get in a car crash but cannot stop the vehicle from crashing.
5. It Can Cause Injury
The seatbelt pretensioner provides a strong belt that will keep you in your seat in the event of a crash. It may save your life, but it can also cause serious injury. It is why you should never tinker with the seat belt pretensioner because any malfunction can cause this device to inflict fatal damage.
Always be aware of the risk of being thrown forward if the seat belt pretensioner activates. It is essential that you maintain the seat belt pretensioner as fully functional. For this reason, you should take the time to learn about the device so you can prevent car crash related-injuries or even death.
This is why it is necessary that you inspect the seat belt pretensioner regularly. The device is relatively inexpensive, and you can save a lot of money if you can solve the problem before the seat belt pretensioner malfunctions.
Conclusion
The presence of the seat belt pretensioner in your vehicle is a sign that your car has a good safety system in place. If you do not have one, you should talk to your mechanic to discuss the situation and explain why you need to have it installed.
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