Seats, restraints 49Seat beltsThe seat belts are locked duringheavy acceleration or deceleration ofthe vehicle holding the occupants inthe sitting position. Therefore the riskof injury is considerably reduced.9 WarningFasten seat belt before each trip.In the event of an accident, peoplenot wearing seat belts endangertheir fellow occupants andthemselves.Seat belts are designed to be used byonly one person at a time. Childrestraint system 3 57.Periodically check all parts of the beltsystem for damage, pollution andproper functionality.Have damaged componentsreplaced. After an accident, have thebelts and triggered belt pretensionersreplaced by a workshop.NoteMake sure that the belts are notdamaged by shoes or sharp-edgedobjects or trapped. Prevent dirt fromgetting into the belt retractors.Seat belt reminderEach seat is equipped with a seat beltreminder, indicated for front seats bycontrol indicator X in the tachometer3 107, or for rear seats by symbolsX or > in the Driver InformationCentre 3 114.Belt force limitersOn the front seats, stress on the bodyis reduced by the gradual release ofthe belt during a collision.Belt pretensionersIn the event of a head-on or rear-endcollision of a certain severity, the frontseat belts are tightened.9 WarningIncorrect handling (e.g. removal orfitting of belts) can trigger the beltpretensioners.Deployment of the belt pretensionersis indicated by continuous illuminationof control indicator v 3 108.Triggered belt pretensioners must bereplaced by a workshop. Beltpretensioners can only be triggeredonce.NoteDo not affix or install accessories orother objects that may interfere withthe operation of the beltpretensioners. Do not make anymodifications to belt pretensionercomponents as this will invalidatethe vehicle type approval.
