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How do I fix a broken car seat belt?

My seat belt is having trouble latching. I don’t want to replace the entire belt, but I’ll cough up the cash if it’s necessary. How can I fix a broken car seat belt?

avatar
Bonnie Stinson · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Yikes, a broken car seat belt is the worst. Not only is it annoying, but it’s also unsafe.
To fix a broken car seat belt, you can usually replace individual components if they are damaged.
The first step is to open up the compartment to determine the source of the problem. You may need a screwdriver or needle-nosed pliers to lift the plastic cover.
Once you’re inside, carefully examine the female and male buckle parts. Look for cracks, warps, and stuck objects. A single misshapen angle could prevent your buckle from latching properly, leaving you with no protection in a
car accident
.
If you don’t find anything, gently open the socket and the internal mechanisms. You should see springs inside. Press the release button and observe what happens. Lubricate everything and then reassemble before trying the latch again.
While you’re here, check for built-up grime on the seat belt. Remove any gunk by cleaning the belt with warm water and detergent. Goo Gone is a gamechanger for stuck-on items like gum or old candy.
You can always replace the entire buckle. If you like tinkering but don’t have much time to spare, consider getting a replacement seat belt kit for as little as $30, depending on your make and model.
While you’re fixing your broken car seat belt, take some time to ensure the rest of your car is safe with the best car insurance from the
Jerry
app. Once you download Jerry, answer a handful of questions that will take you roughly 45 seconds to complete and you’ll immediately get car insurance quotes for coverage similar to your current plan. Jerry customers save an average of $887 a year.
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