Seat belt retractors are devices that pull safety belts into their stored positions.
There are several types of seat belt retractors:
Automatic-locking retractors, the oldest type, lock when you stop the continuous motion of pulling the belt out. From that point, the belts cannot be pulled out further without first letting the belt retract all the way. This type of belt, to the best of my knowledge, is not used on any new vehicles.
Emergency-locking retractors are designed to lock and hold the belt only when they sense that the vehicle is stopping rapidly, as in a head-on collision. Typically, shoulder belts “pay out” and allow you some freedom of movement in normal driving: You can lean forward and back easily. In a fast or panic stop, however, you may notice that the shoulder belts lock and hold you in place. This is emergency locking in action.
Switchable-locking retractors are types that operate like emergency-locking retractors but can be set to operate like the old automatic style: Simply pull the belt all the way out and then let it retract and tighten. Most of such belts retract with an audible ratcheting sound so you’ll be sure you’ve pulled it out all the way. The belt then cannot be pulled out again without first allowing it to retract fully.
Automatic-locking retractors (and switchable-locking retractors in the automatic mode) are best for securing child-safety seats if seat belts must be used. Vehicles without automatic-locking retractors require the use of a seat belt locking clip, which introduces another opportunity for user error. Be sure to read the safety seat and vehicle owners manuals. Consult a dealer if you need help.
Information for this was taken from the Cars.com’s glossary, written by Joe Wiesenfelder.
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