FORD 2013 Escape v.1 - Manual (Page 33)

CHILD RESTRAINT AND
SAFETY BELT MAINTENANCE
Inspect the vehicle safety belts and child
safety seat systems periodically to make
sure they work properly and are not
damaged. Inspect the vehicle and child
seat safety belts to make sure there are no
nicks, tears or cuts. Replace if necessary.
All vehicle safety belt assemblies, including
retractors, buckles, front safety belt buckle
assemblies, buckle support assemblies
(slide bar-if equipped), shoulder belt
height adjusters (if equipped), shoulder
belt guide on seatback (if equipped), child
safety seat LATCH and tether anchors, and
attaching hardware, should be inspected
after a collision. Read the child restraint
manufacturer's instructions for additional
inspection and maintenance information
specific to the child restraint. Ford Motor
Company recommends that all safety belt
assemblies in use in vehicles involved in a
collision be replaced. However, if the
collision was minor and an authorized
dealer finds that the belts do not show
damage and continue to operate properly,
they do not need to be replaced. Safety
belt assemblies not in use during a collision
should also be inspected and replaced if
either damage or improper operation is
noted.
Properly care for safety belts. See Vehicle
Care (page 236).
33
Safety Belts