When you’re out shopping for a new car seat, it can be difficult to know when your current one is due to expire. In fact, there are a number of different labels that car seats come with, making it even more confusing. To make things easier for you, we’ve put together a list of the most common car seat expiration dates and what they mean. From there, you’ll be able to determine when your car seat needs to be replaced and make the best purchase for your family.
How to Check the Date of Your Vehicle’s Manufacture
If you’re in the market for a new car seat, it’s important to understand when your current seat will expire. Manufacturers typically date car seats after they’ve been used for a certain length of time. However, there are a few things you can do to extend the life of your car seat: check the manufacture date and adjust the straps as needed.
To find out the manufacture date, look on either side of the car seat inside and outside of the packaging. Most seats have a two-digit number or letters that indicate their manufacturing month and year. For example, if the number is 1234, then this indicates that the seat was manufactured in December 2012. If your car has an even number of digits (e.g., 1234), it was made in November 2012; if it has an odd number of digits (e.g., 1235), it was made in December 2012. If your seat doesn’t have a manufacture date marked on it, you can often find this information online through manufacturer websites or through Google searches.
Adjusting straps according to guidelines may also help extend the life of your car seat by reducing stress on the fabric and padding over time. Car seats should never be left unbuckled or unrestrained in vehicles where children are seated; doing so could increase the risk of injury in an accident or sudden stop.
How to Check the Expiration Date of a Car Seat
To check the expiration date of a car seat, start by locating the manufacture’s instructions. Once you have the instructions, follow them closely to determine when the car seat should be replaced.
If your car seat is made by a third-party manufacturer or retailer, consult their instructions to find out when the car seat should be replaced. Some car seats have a minimum lifespan of 5 years or 10 years, so it’s important to check the date periodically to make sure your car seat is still safe and effective.
What to Do if Your Car Seat Has Expired
If you have a car seat that has expired, you will need to take it to a safety inspection station. The inspection station will either issue a new ticket or give you a new car seat.
Tips for Safely Using a No-Expiration Car Seat
Do not use a car seat that has an expiration date. A car seat with an expiration date may not be safe to use because the manufacturer no longer guarantees its safety. Car seats that have an expiration date should only be used if they are in good condition and the child is under the age of 5.
If your car seat has an expiration date, follow these tips to make sure it is still safe:
1. Check the label on the car seat for information about how long it should be used after the expiration date.
2. If your car seat is more than 6 years old, it may not meet current safety standards and should be replaced. You can find a new car seat that meets current safety standards at most retail stores or by contacting your state’s department of motor vehicles (DMV).
3. If you do not plan to use your car seat for a period of time, remove the cover and clean the fabric with warm water and soap. Be sure to dry it before putting it back in place.