Seat belts are one of the most effective safety features in a car. The design of this crucial component consists of various safety features and one of them is often noticed as a button. So, what is the button on a car seat belt for?
Is it related to the functionality of seat belts or just for the sake of attraction? What are the benefits of having a button on car seat belts?
In this article, you will find answers to the above questions and more importantly the significance of the car seat belt button.
What is the button on a car seat belt for?
The seat belt button on a car seat belt is actually a seat belt buckle stopper. Such buttons restrict the movement of seat belt buckles from falling or sliding down too low.
With this button, the buckle or latchplate remains positioned at the same location on a seat belt avoiding inconvenience for passengers to search and retrieve the buckle repeatedly.
The absence of this button doesn’t have any significant impact while traveling but having it does provide comfort and facilitate easier reach to wearing seat belts.
The importance and benefits of car seat belt button
The main purpose of a car seat belt button is to stop the movement of the buckle from falling/sliding downwards when the seat belt is not in use.
Without the seat belt button, the driver and passengers will have to find the buckle and slide it up to a position where they can pull the seat belt and lock it. This could be time-consuming and demand some effort every time you enter the car.
Secondly, with the seat belt buckle sliding down it becomes difficult to pull the seat belt which often gets stuck and needs re-adjustment for proper usage.
On the flip side, a loosely sliding buckle could come in contact with other components and materials of car seats which could be risky and damaging.
Some of the crucial benefits of a seat belt button/stopper are they are easy to install, very cost-effective and cheap, can be reused on multiple seat belts/vehicles, and more importantly remain a very practical component for a long-lasting seat belt buckle.
How to install a car seat belt button/stopper?
When you find your seat belt button/stopper broken or damaged purchase a separate unit from a relevant online platform or an automobile store.
Once you have found the one that suits your vehicle requirement, follow the below steps to install it:
- The installation process involves using a pin to secure the seat belt stopper. You can use the existing hole or a pointed screwdriver to make another hole for installation.
- Make sure the location of installing the seat belt button is close to the retracting point so that the pulling of the buckle remains easier.
- Now install the seat belt button by pressing it firmly and ensuring it goes through the hole completely. Using a pair of pliers can be helpful to ensure a secure installation.
- Once you are sure of the installation check the tightness by sliding the buckle. Ensure that it stops as soon as it touches the seat belt button.
Here is a quick video showing how to install a seat belt stopper using another method to make a hole:
Final thoughts
The seat belt button or a stopper is a small yet effective device that offers convenience, comfort, and improved safety by preventing the seat belt buckle from falling down to the floor.
These round buttons with pins are inserted into the seat belt with ease and remain helpful in enhancing the convenience of holding the seat belt buckle to its place.
With the presence of such a button, car occupants no longer have to search or struggle to reach the buckle for fastening the seat belt.
The button is very useful in saving time and effort when wearing a seat belt so ensure that your seat belts remain equipped with such a device.
