Why Seat Belts Must Be Replaced After a Vehicle Accident

Seat belts are the first line of defense in protecting vehicle occupants during a collision.
During an accident, seat belts undergo extreme tension, rapid locking, and often pretensioner activation.
Even if the belt looks normal on the surface, internal components may have already been damaged.

For this reason, global safety standards and automotive manufacturers recommend replacing any seat belt involved in a collision.

When a crash occurs, the seat belt system experiences:

• Instant locking of the retractor

• High load on the webbing (up to 6–10 kN)

• Activation of the pretensioner (if equipped)

• Thermal and mechanical stress

• Possible tearing or stitching deformation

Even if these issues are invisible, internal components may no longer function safely.

If the vehicle is equipped with a pretensioner:

• The pyrotechnic device fires once only

• The internal wire, ball gear, or piston system becomes locked

• The belt cannot reset to its original state

• Reusing it compromises safety

Crash forces can cause the webbing to:

• Permanently stretch

• Lose elasticity

• Suffer micro-tears or heat damage

• Become unsafe in the next accident

Such damage is often invisible, but drastically reduces performance.

Under crash load, the retractor:

• Experiences sudden locking

• Applies high stress on gears, springs, and locking pawls

• May become partially functional or fail later

A faulty retractor may not lock properly in another emergency.

Most automotive guidelines require mandatory replacement of seat belts after deployment or crash involvement.

Relevant standards:

• FMVSS 209 / 210 (USA)

• ECE R16 (Europe)

• GB 14166 (China)

Vehicle manufacturers like Honda, Toyota, Ford, Nissan, Hyundai, GM also specify:

“Any seat belt assembly that has been in use during a crash must be replaced."

Even if the belt looks “fine," internal components may already be compromised.

A complete safety repair usually includes:

Proper replacement ensures full functionality of the vehicle’s SRS system.

Failing to replace accident-involved seat belts may cause:

• Failure of belt locking in the next emergency

• Webbing tearing during a collision

• Airbag system malfunction

• Increased injury or fatality risk

• Liability issues for repair shops or vehicle owners

A malfunctioning belt can make even a mild accident life-threatening.

Seat belts are engineered to withstand a single major collision.
Once they experience a crash, they cannot guarantee the same level of protection again due to structural damage and pretensioner activation.

For maximum safety, compliance, and peace of mind:

Any seat belt involved in an accident must be replaced with a new, certified assembly.

Andaotong provides OEM-grade replacement seat belts for Asian, American, Middle Eastern, Germany, and Latin American vehicle models, like:

• Honda / Toyota / Nissan / Hyundai / Kia

• Ford / Chevrolet / Dodge / Jeep

• Mitsubishi / Mazda / Subaru

• BMW/ BenzA
• And so on