Dashboard Warning Lights

Gone are the days when an automobile’s issues could be diagnosed based on whether the smoke was coming from under the hood or through the tailpipe. Today’s vehicles are often packed with sensors designed to monitor the behavior of specific functions and notify owners that service is needed. The engine light may signal that symptoms such as sputtering or misfires are imminent. If the airbag warning light illuminates, a sensor replacement or a seat belt tensioner repair may be necessary.

Sensor Warnings

Many drivers ignore the dashboard warning lights if everything seems to be working correctly. However, the lights may be signaling impending problems. Catching and repairing an issue before visible symptoms appear may help prevent an accident. For example, when the vehicle’s power steering warning light is on, a component in the steering system may be failing. If power steering fails at a low speed, the result can be difficulty turning the steering wheel. However, if it fails at highway speeds, the steering may not respond quickly enough to avoid an accident by making an abrupt lane change. A defective airbag may not deploy upon sudden impact, potentially resulting in significant bodily damage.

Seat Belt Pretensioner

According to the Centers for Disease Control, wearing a seat belt reduces automobile fatalities by almost 50%. Vehicles equipped with airbags can improve survival rates even more. Vehicle sensors detect the abrupt deceleration that occurs in an auto accident. The seat belt pre-tensioner uses an explosive charge to quickly and forcefully, retract any slack from the seat belt webbing. The result is a seated position designed for maximum protection of the vehicle’s occupants when the airbags deploy. The driver and passengers can remain upright and in place. Crash victims not wearing seat belts may hit their heads on the steering wheel or dash. Depending on speed and surrounding circumstances, passengers can be thrown from the vehicle. Seat belt tensioner repair may prevent the worst-case scenario from occurring.

Seat Belt System Failure

The seat belt safety system consists of four components: seat belts, seat belt tensioner and airbag firing circuits, sensors for crash and impacts and a control module. Restoration of webbing, seat belt tensioner repair and unimpeded sensors can help the safety system function effectively.

Certified auto seat belt repair companies can be cost-effective alternatives to dealership fees. Single, duel and triple stage seat belts and the related components may be replaced. These companies can restore pre-tensioners and retractors to the original factory condition and replace seat belt webbing using OEM parts.