Andy,
Thank you, I didn’t realize the strength of the webbing in the seat belts deteriorated so fast. Very informative. John Rissberger # 10 Camaro A/S Oregon
Yup but it depends upon the material:
"The SCCA currently accepts two standards families for harnesses: SFI 16.1 and FIA (one of 8853/1895, 8853/98, or 8854/98). Belt expiration is determined differently for the two families.
For SFI belts, we take the date punched into the SFI label (which is approximately the date of manufacture in most cases), add 2 years, and then round out to the following December. For FIA belts, we just use the expiration date on the belt label. If a belt carries both certifications, we use the later date (giving longer usage). This invariably ends up being the FIA expiration date, which is commonly 5 years away for new FIA belts.
So what's the difference? It's pretty simple. Harness webbing is typically Nylon or Polyester; SFI standards permit either.
FIA only permits Polyester, which has better aging characteristics, which mostly have to do with the response of the belt to UV exposure (FIA belts also only have cam-lock style latches, but this isn't really an aging related issue.)
So since FIA belts usually last nearly twice as long, I tend to advise drivers that the $30-$40 premium for FIA belts is well worth it"