Tesla MODEL S 2012 Owner's Manual page 27

WARNING: Never place anything between you and
the seat belt to cushion the impact in the event of
a collision.
Seat Belt Pre-tensioners
The front seat belts are equipped with pre‑tensioners
that work in conjunction with the airbags in a severe
frontal collision. The pre‑tensioners automatically retract
both the seat belt anchor and the seat belt webbing,
reducing slack in both the lap and diagonal portions of
the belts, resulting in reduced forward movement of the
occupant.
The rear outboard seats are equipped with shoulder pre-
tensioners to retract the seat belt webbing to reduce
forward movement of the occupant.
If the pre-tensioners and airbags did not activate in an
impact, this does not mean they malfunctioned. It
usually means that the strength or type of force needed
to activate them was not present.
WARNING: Once the seat belt pre-tensioners have
been activated, they must be replaced. After any
collision, have the airbags, seat belt pre-tensioners
and any associated components checked and, if
necessary, replaced.
Testing Seat Belts
To confirm that seat belts are operating correctly,
perform these three simple checks on each seat belt.
Seating and Safety Restraints
1. With the seat belt fastened, give the webbing nearest
the buckle a quick pull. The buckle should remain
securely locked.
2. With the belt unfastened, unreel the webbing to its
limit. Check that unreeling is free from snags, and
visually check the webbing for wear. Allow the
webbing to retract, checking that retraction is
smooth and complete.
3. With the webbing half unreeled, hold the tongue
plate and pull forward quickly. The mechanism should
lock automatically and prevent further unreeling.
If a seat belt fails any of these tests, contact Tesla
immediately.
For information about cleaning seat belts, see
on page 171.
Seat Belt Warnings
WARNING: Seat belts should be worn by all
occupants at all times, even if driving for a very
short distance. Failure to do so increases the risk
of injury or death if a collision occurs.
WARNING: Secure small children in a suitable child
safety seat as described in the Child Safety Seat
topic. Always follow the child safety seat
manufacturer's instructions when installing.
WARNING: Ensure that all seat belts are worn
correctly. An improperly worn seat belt increases
the risk of injury or death if a collision occurs.
WARNING: Do not wear seat belts over hard,
fragile or sharp items in clothing, such as pens,
keys, eyeglasses, etc. The pressure from the seat
belt on such items can cause injury.
WARNING: Seat belts should not be worn with any
part of the strap twisted.
WARNING: Each seat belt assembly must be used
by one occupant only. It is dangerous to put a seat
belt around a child being carried on an occupant's
lap.
WARNING: Seat belts that have been worn in a
collision must be inspected or replaced by Tesla,
even if damage to the assembly is not obvious.
WARNING: Seat belts that show signs of wear
(such as fraying), or have been cut or damaged in
any way, must be replaced by Tesla.
WARNING: Avoid contaminating a seat belt's
components with any chemicals, liquids, grit, dirt
or cleaning products. If a seat belt fails to retract
or latch into the buckle, it must be replaced
immediately. Contact Tesla.
WARNING: Do not make modifications or
additions that can prevent a seat belt mechanism
from taking up slack, or that can prevent a seat
belt from being adjusted to remove slack. A slack
belt greatly reduces occupant protection.
Seat Belts
Seat Belts
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