1996 Buick Park Avenue Owner's Manual

Safety Belt ExtenderIf the vehicle’s safety belt will fasten around you, youshould use it.But if a safety belt isn’t long enough to fasten, yourdealer will order you an extender. It’s free. When you goin to order it, take the heaviest coat you will wear, so theextender will be long enough for you. The extender willbe just for you, and just for the seat in your vehicle thatyou choose. Don’t let someone else use it, and use itonly for the seat it is made to fit. To wear it, just attach itto the regular safety belt.Checking Your Restraint SystemsNow and then, make sure the safety belt reminder lightand all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors andanchorages are working properly. Look for any otherloose or damaged safety belt system parts. If you seeanything that might keep a safety belt system fromdoing its job, have it repaired.Torn or frayed safety belts may not protect you in acrash. They can rip apart under impact forces. If a belt istorn or frayed, get a new one right away.Also look for any opened or broken air bag covers, andhave them repaired or replaced. (The air bag systemdoes not need regular maintenance.)Replacing Restraint System PartsAfter a CrashIf you’ve had a crash, do you need new belts?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 belts.If belts are cut or damaged, replace them. Collisiondamage also may mean you will need to have safety beltor seat parts repaired or replaced. New parts and repairsmay be necessary even if the belt wasn’t being used atthe time of the collision.If your seat adjuster won’t work after a crash, the specialpart of the safety belt that goes through the seat to theadjuster may need to be replaced.If an air bag inflates, you’ll need to replace air bagsystem parts. See the part on the air bag system earlier inthis section.