Don't get me wrong... I love my Z more than any other car I've owned... but...

Two small problems with the Z, one of which I don't think I'll ever get used to:

1) Rear visibility is pretty weak. Solution: Lean forward to thoroughly scan side mirrors before a lane change.

2) Seat belt locks up all the freaking time, even when not decelerating!!! Solution: Don't change lanes while accelerating rapidly, don't merge while accelerating, even in park, put on seat belt very slowly, etc. --OR-- Don't wear seat belt if you plan to merge while accelerating rapidly.

I've driven all kinds of cars that have an inertia lock on seat belts. This makes perfect sense for rapid deceleration ONLY and that's the way it is on many cars I've driven.

Apparently the seat belt engineers for the Z think it is a safety benefit to have the seat belt lock during acceleration. WRONG! And while it's simply an annoying pain in the a**, what's the point of having the seat belt lock up if you just put it on too fast (even if the damn thing's in park!!)?

I guess it's easier/cheaper just to make a seat belt lock up when it's pulled out quickly as opposed to the more intelligently designed 'deceleration inertia lock.'

 

1) Learn the proper way to adjust your rear-view mirrors. There are a number of sites that explain the method, here's one on Wiki:

http://www.wikihow.com/Set-Rearview-...te-Blind-Spots

Once you learn how to drive with them set that way, it greatly reduces the blind-spot problems. Plus, no need to lean to either side.

2) I've never had problems with the shoulder belt tightening. Maybe there's a problem with yours and you should consider having the dealer check and adjust it.

 

One of the things I like about my350Z.com is, even when I just have a rant, somebody has a thoughtful, thorough answer.

Good advice and I could probably reduce my blind spots using this method. But... even that Wiki entry says, "ALWAYS look over your shoulders before changing lanes! While this mirror method is very effective at reducing blind spots, one can not depend on it to eliminate them." No can do... I'm glued into my seat thanks to my tightened/locked seat belt.

The reason I haven't even considered taking it to a shop is because these are two different seat belt lock technologies. One only locks during strong deceleration, the other (apparently all Zs) locks up when there's ANY inertia change (strong g-force), regardless of direction. Just seemed like bad design. If nobody else is enjoying this kind of belt lock problem, and it's just me, I'm happy to take it in for repair!

Thanks for the Wiki! Good advice.

 

I don't (and can't) do the look over the shoulder method. The beauty of having the mirrors adjusted correctly is that a car in the lanes on either sides move from the rearview mirror to either side view mirror then into your peripheral vision. No need to look over your shoulder.

I've autocrossed, tracked and driven my Z agressively and never felt locked in by the belt as you describe. That's why I'm thinking it's not properly adjusted or not working correctly. After thinking about it, mine may be the one that's not working properly. There are times in an autox or track day where I wish I had a 5pt harness to hold my upper body tighter to the seat. You don't want to be slammed around, you want the belts to hold you tight.

 

no problem with my seat belt.. I accelerate pretty hard sometimes too...

 

I've been running a proper mirror setup for over a year now. It makes driving any car a complete breeze - even something foreign I've never driven before. It all started when my brother took delivery of his M6. The guys at the South Carolina delivery center told us the proper way to align your mirrors...

I never looked back since.

But, still, when switching lanes look to the side you're switching to make sure that a car the lane over isn't doing the same! Your mirror setup will NOT pick up a car that is parallel to you, but in another lane. So still, exercise caution.

 

my 06 RSX was the same way with the seatbelts.

 

Maybe the Z wants to strangle you........(this would be a typical my350z.com answer)


Anyways...I've never had an issue and know what your talking about but not to the extent that it's happened to you.

 

1) I'll admit the rear visibility is horrible but as far as changing lanes, i always use my side view. My sideviews are set up so that if i can't see a car in my mirror then it's either clear, or the car is right next to me and can't be missed. also I'd like to note, that if i lean foward while reversing in to a stall i can see the lines clearly in my sideviews and it allows for easy and straight parking.

2)even with aggresive driving, with the exception of hard braking, i've yet to notice my seat belt locking up.. and why would this be an issue while accelerating? wouldn't you be pushed into the seat and not leaning forward to feel the seat belt lock??

 

Maybe it has something to do with the way you are sitting, or the way you are moving about while driving. Your hands should almost always be around the 9 and 3 position, and your entire torso should be nestled snugly into the seat.

 

I have never had a problem with the seatbelt locking up on me. My girlfriend on the other hand gets locked in when I accel too hard or brake too hard I just tell her that I think the car likes her and wants to keep her safe.

Typical my350Z.com answer IMO would be if you dont like the seatbelt dont use it and see what happens if you mess up.

but im not that ignorant.

 

In large, wide open situations there is no problem.

I guess my big problem is that I commute in rush hour traffic. And while I don't weave and constantly change lanes, I do occasionally need to quickly change lanes and accelerate. While doing this (with my hands safely at 9 & 3) I occasionally want to pull myself forward with the wheel, during the lane change, to check in my mirrors to see a slightly larger field of view and to make doubly sure that no one else has also made some kind of quick move into a blind spot.

Since starting this post I've done a bit of driving and testing. I've always thought of myself as an above-average driver (don't we all) but even though I'm old by my350z.com standards (45), I'm not too proud to admit that I still have a lot to learn. The Wiki mirror info DavesZ#3 suggested is pretty damn cool and in using it for just a day I already like it, though I'm still getting used to it.

Just out of curiosity, on a trip to the grocery store yesterday I tested my belt, and even under moderate acceleration it locks up.

Maybe in the coming days I'll get comfortable enough with the new mirror position to break my habit of leaning forward to check my mirrors and then I won't notice the locked up belt either.

 

If you ever have been on the NE Mtn Run then you are happy that they lock you in tight! I have never worn my belt unless its under extreeme driving conditions, which is prob stupid.

 

The birth of a new habit. I have my mirrors in the new, wider positions and, while I'm still getting used to it and occasionally don't feel completely comfortable not seeing the side of my car in my side mirrors, it really is a much better way to position my mirrors.

Thanks DavesZ#3!

30 year habit almost broken.

 

My seatbelt locks no matter how much gas or brake I give it. Its a lil annoying but you get used to it.

 

My seatbelt doesnt retract once I take it off....