Seat belts are often purchased and installed with little thought to the overall safety of the product. After all, seat belts are designed to save lives, but not all seat belts are created equal.
Our seat belts are manufactured in Jupiter, Florida by Seatbelt Solutions. They undergo rigorous testing to ensure they meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). Most seat belt manufacturers send their seat belts out for occasional testing. Seatbelt Solutions owns their testing equipment, which allows them to regularly test for safety. This rigorous testing means our seat belts are the safest in the aftermarket industry, with the results to prove it!
FMVSS 209 stipulates that all seat belt components must meet standards based on three aspects: STRENGTH, PERFORMANCE, DURABILITY.
Tensile Test for Strength
Tensile testing measure the strength of the seat belt components. The Tensile machine works by applying tension to the seat belt components to the point of failure. This test helps to predict how the seat belt will react under strenuous forces.
Tilt Lock Test for Performance
Performance of the seat belt is defined as how a seat belt performs when in use. Components used in the assembly of the seat belt must be tested to ensure they perform correctly. A Tilt Lock Machine is used to test the adjuster locking bar in adjustable seat belts. The machine provides a digital readout indicating the proper specifications for proper locking of the adjuster.
G-Force Test for Retractor Performance
In retractable seat belts, the performance of the retractor must be tested. A G-Force Production Sled provides test results necessary to certify all types of retractors. It tests for tilt and lock distance to ensure 100% quality performance on all retractors.
Salt Spray Test for Durability
To test a seat belt's durability machines must simulate normal use over the life of a product. The Salt Spray Cabinet conducts a 48 hour salt spray test in which the seat belts are exposed to a highly corrosive environment. After 48 hours in this environment, seat belts are visually inspected for corrosion and then undergo strength and performance testing.
Performance Cycle Test for Durability
The second durability test is conducted using a Performance Cycle Tester. This machine will test the seat belt components over and over again to determine the life of the product. Each retractor will endure 50,000 cycles, ensuring the durability of our seat belt components.
Webbing Abrasion Test for Durability
Finally, our seat belts must undergo the Webbing Abrasion Test. Webbing abrasion testing ensures the durability of the webbing material. This test is performed before and after simulated use. The test scrapes the webbing over course material for over 2,500 cycles and then tests for any decrease in strength.
