Each year, seat belts are responsible for saving thousands of lives. With the usage rate at 90% in 2019, drivers and passengers are certainly understanding the importance of buckling up. Seat belts have evolved since their debut in the United States in the 1930s and widespread installation in cars during the 1960s. It is important to understand your car’s seatbelt type to improve your safety and receive the necessary auto repairs if need be. Below are some of the most common seat belts. 

5 Popular Types of Car Seat Belts

1. Three-Point Belt

This safety device is designed to secure the entire upper body. A durable panel of nylon fabric is stretched across the shoulder, torso, and lap to provide restraint at three points. The seat belt is made to minimize injuries in a car accident by spreading the impact across the torso instead of on one part of the body. 

2. Lap Belt

Most auto repair shops consider the lap belt to be the oldest version still on the road. The belt is manufactured to strap in drivers and passengers across their laps or hips. The two-point connection helps keep users from being ejected if a vehicle accident occurs. They are commonly found in a car’s rear seating. 

3. Automatic Seat Belt

Automatic belts are made to fit like the three-point belt and eliminate manual buckling. Once drivers and front passengers are seated, and the car is turned on, the automatic seat belt slides across the shoulder, torso, lap, and hips. While users don’t have to worry about buckling in manually, most models have a mechanism that allows for hand-operated release. 

4. Shoulder Belt

Before the three-point belt became common in vehicles, the shoulder belt was its predecessor. The safety device is stretched across the torso and secured at the shoulder and hip. Depending on the vehicle manufacturer, shoulder belts were sometimes installed along with lap belts for additional protection. 

5. Belt-in-Seat

The general premise behind the belt-in-seat (BIS) model was to offer extra safety restraints in rollover vehicle accidents. While it mirrors the three-point belt version by securing the shoulder, torso, and lap, the BIS has a key difference. The connecting point at the shoulder is found within the seat’s backrest, not mounted to the vehicle’s interior frame. 

When working properly, seat belts can save lives. GSBP Automotive in Gulf Shores, AL, specializes in expert restoration services on these essential safety devices. Serving the area since 1985, the professional auto repair shop offers everything from brake care and new tires to complete engine overhauls. The team of ASE-certified technicians strongly believes in preventive maintenance and will take the steps to ensure your vehicle meets manufacturer recommendations for safe and reliable driving. Call (251) 968-7456 or visit the website for information on the complete lineup of automotive services.