We often think about proper fit in the car as something that only applies to kids: making sure their car seats, boosters, and seat belts are positioned just right. But adults need the same attention to fit and safety! The way you sit, adjust your seat, and wear your seat belt can make ALL the difference. It’s not just about comfort; it’s about staying protected.
Usually, these adjustments are easy to make. But if your seatbelt is too tight, won’t buckle, or just doesn’t fit properly, there’s no way to make it work as-is. That’s where seat belt extenders come in. They can be literal lifesavers for passengers who can’t comfortably use a standard seat belt.
In this post, we’ll explain what seat belt extenders are and break down how you should and should NOT use them. Here’s what you need to know:
Are Seat Belt Extenders Safe? What Families Need to Know
Nothing is truly one-size-fits-all. There are always situations where what’s available just doesn’t work for you, your family, or your body. A typical shoulder belt is 6 to 8 feet long, while a lap belt is 3 to 5 feet long. While that works for many, others may need a bit of extra length for a safe and comfortable sit. Fortunately, this is exactly what seat belt extenders provide!
Going without a seat belt (or using one incorrectly) can be a serious traffic safety risk. Even if you’re not worried about your own safety, unrestrained passengers can become dangerous projectiles in a crash. This puts everyone in the vehicle at risk. The point is, buckling up is never optional. If the standard seat belt is too short, it’s simply time to invest in an extender.
What Are Seat Belt Extenders?
Seat belt extenders are attachments that give your seat belt a little extra length, usually between 6 and 12 inches. Ultimately, they make it easier to buckle up comfortably while staying safe during every car ride.
Are Car Seat Belt Extenders Safe?
Yes. As long as you’re using a seat belt extender from your motor vehicle’s manufacturer and following the given instructions, it’s safe. However, improper use can be dangerous. First, make sure you genuinely need an extender. A seat belt should always be snug but comfortable, never loose.
It’s also important to note that car seats cannot be installed with a seat belt extender. So, always remove the extender before securing a child’s seat. On that note, we also recommend taking it out after each ride. Doing so ensures the extender is never used by a person who’s not suited for it. Following these simple precautions helps keep everyone in the car safe.
How to Use a Seat Belt Extender Safely
Step One: Purchase a seat belt extender from your vehicle’s manufacturer only.
Head to your vehicle manufacturer’s website to locate the appropriate extender for your car. Make sure it’s suitable for your make, model, and year. You should not purchase the seat belt extender from anywhere else, as there’s no guarantee that it will be entirely compatible with your specific vehicle. Additionally, non-manufacturer extenders may not be secure, potentially causing a significant safety risk.
Step Two: Confirm the seat belt extender is suitable for you.
Before using a seat belt extender, check the guidelines to make sure it’s appropriate for your needs. Some extenders are approved only for specific seats in the car, while others include weight or hip circumference recommendations. Make sure all the requirements apply to your situation before use.
Step Three: Sit in the vehicle seat and adjust for comfort and safety.
With your extender in hand, sit in your preferred seat with your back fully against the seatback. Make sure there’s at least 10 inches of space between your chest and the dashboard or steering wheel. (This helps reduce the risk of injury from airbags.) Adjust the headrest so the back of your head aligns with the middle of it for proper support and safety.
Step Four: Insert the extender directly into the seat belt tongue.
Now, plug the extender directly into the seat belt tongue. The tongue is the metal piece at the base of the seat where you normally buckle in. This immediately adds extra length to your seat belt while allowing it to function just like the original.
Step Five: Buckle your seat belt as usual.
Next, buckle your seat belt as usual. Instead of inserting the standard seat belt buckle into the tongue, you’ll plug it into the extender.
Step Six: Position the lap belt low across your hips.
Place the lap belt low across your hips and upper thighs. Ensure it’s not resting on your stomach. The extra length should allow it to sit comfortably and correctly.
Step Seven: Place the shoulder belt in the middle of your chest and shoulder.
The shoulder belt should cross the middle of your chest and rest on your shoulder, while the lap belt should sit low across your hips. If needed, you can gently guide the shoulder belt so it runs along the side of your torso before crossing your chest. However, never let either belt press directly against your stomach. Make sure both belts are snug and lie flat against your body for maximum safety.
Step Eight: Ensure there’s no unauthorized use of the seat belt extender.
When you’re finished using the seat belt extender, remove it from the vehicle. This helps prevent other passengers from using it by mistake. Remember, child passengers should never use a seat belt extender. Also, any adults who aren’t the right size for an extender should avoid it as well, even for short trips.
Are All Seat Belt Extenders the Same?
No. Each seat belt extender is designed and crash tested for specific vehicles. As we mentioned previously, never purchase a “universal” extender from third-party sources. Always purchase your extender directly from the vehicle manufacturer.
What Are the Best Seat Belt Extenders?
The best seat belt extenders are the ones approved for use by your vehicle’s manufacturer. The quality, safety, and compatibility are all in question when using aftermarket seat belt extenders. This means that if you have multiple vehicles, you’ll need a seat belt extender for each one; they’re not interchangeable.
How to Find the Right Seat Belt Extender for Your Car
Step One: Navigate your car manufacturer’s website.
Confirm the make and model of your car, and then head to the manufacturer's website. You can also find exact part numbers for approved seat belt extenders in your vehicle owner’s manual.
Step Two: Locate the shop page to purchase parts.
On the website, find a tab or hyperlink that takes you to the shop page. Here, you can purchase factory replacement parts and accessories for your vehicle, including seat belt extenders.
Step Three: Search for seat belt extenders.
Search “seat belt extender” or type in the part number from your manual in the available space. You’ll likely see multiple options appear.
Step Four: Select one of the options.
Select one of the choices (or identify the one with the correct part number, if you have it). Once you’re on the product page, locate the item description and specs.
Step Five: Confirm it’s compatible with your vehicle make and model.
Before adding to cart, make sure the seat belt extender you clicked on works for your vehicle’s make, model, and year. There should be a list of approved vehicles on the page or a handy compatibility tool with drop-downs to make the process easier.
Step Six: Confirm it’s suitable for your chosen seat.
The product description contains important details about the seat belt extender. Some extenders are approved only for front seats or only for back seats. Make sure the extender is compatible with your vehicle and suitable for the seat you plan to use. Once you’ve confirmed it’s the right fit, add it to your cart and place your order.
Seat Belt Extender Tips for Families
- Only use seat belt extenders made by your vehicle’s manufacturer and approved for your vehicle
- Use a seat belt extender only if you truly need one, not just for comfort or extra slack
- Never double-up seat belts or extenders for more length
- Only use a seat belt extender on approved seats
- Don’t share seat belt extenders between vehicles
- Check your seat belt extender fit periodically (especially if you know you’ve lost weight) to ensure it’s still necessary
- Confirm the correct fit and positioning of your seat belt with every use
- Ensure no one else uses your seat belt extender that does not need one
- Replace your seat belt extender after an accident
- Never use seat belt extenders to install car seats or booster seats
- Read the seat belt extender’s manual to fully understand the safety standards
Seat belt extenders can be a safe option when used correctly and purchased from your vehicle manufacturer.
Seat belt extenders are a safe and practical solution for passengers who need extra length to buckle up correctly. The key is to use them only when necessary, follow manufacturer guidelines, and never compromise proper belt positioning. Remember: a correctly fitted seat belt protects everyone in the car, so it’s always worth taking the time to get it right.
For more tips on keeping your family safe on the road, check out the Safe in the Seat blog. We’re here to help you make every ride safer and more comfortable for every member of your family, big or small!
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