racing harness lifespan
 

I was checking out the harness in my car and I see its SFI 16.1 rated that was manufactured in January 09. How long are safety belts rated for after their manufactured date? I plan to race the car next year in Nasa ST2 so I just want to make sure the belts are ok for racing or if I need to replace them soon. Thanks.

You will be fine - I think that the expiration limit is 5 years for NASA. Most manufacturers will reweb your outdated harnesses rather inexpensively if necessary.

My mistake guys - sorry it is 2 years.

SFI = 2 year
FIA = 5 year

Google for one of the graphs that shows how nylon degrades over time.

It depends on who certified the belt. I can't imagine NASA being ok with a belt 3 years past its manufacturers expiration date.

Here's the NASA rule (section 15.5):

10. All belts should meet at least one of the following:

A) SFI Specification 16.1 or 16.5 and shall bear a dated label of no more than two (2) years old. At least one date label is required on belt sets.

B) A restraint system meeting FIA spec #8853/1985, 8853/98, or D-###.T/98, including amendment 1/92 may be used. FIA certified belts have a label that shows an expiration date. The belts cannot be used past December 31st of the year shown on the label. At least one date label is required on belt sets.

My heart doctor gave me a better cert than that. :D
I've gotta send mine in this winter.