How to buy a car seat belt extender

For drivers who are bigger than the 215 pounds that most seat belts are required to fit, purchasing a seat belt extender is a great way to stay comfortable and safe while driving. These seat belt extenders click or bolt into your existing seat belt system and provide an extra foot or so of belt – usually more than enough to make a driver more comfortable. Purchasing an auto seat belt extender isn’t quite as simple as it might appear, however, and it is important to ensure that you have considered all your options prior to purchase.

The first thing to consider is the make and model of your vehicle. Some car seat belt extenders are meant to be used primarily with individual manufacturers’ vehicles. If you cannot find a seat belt extender to work with your car (for instance Honda does not currently make auto seat belt extenders for their vehicles), then you may be forced to purchase a universal seat belt extender. These seat belt extenders click into your existing seatbelt system. Usually it is best to find a car seat belt extender that matches your vehicle because sometimes seat belt extenders can sit in the wrong place or pull a drivers’ body off to one side. This is probably still better than going without a seat belt, but it’s usually best to try for the correct match first.

You will also need to decide whether you would like the bolted in seat belt extender or the click in variety. If you choose the bolt style, you will likely need some assistance in installing it, and it is vital that this is done properly to not affect the integrity of the belt. A click in system may not always prove quite as sturdy and may sit off-centre, but it is far easier to install with less chance of errors. Consider whether you are willing to have the seat belt extender professionally installed – this will affect your final decision.