Is Your Used Car Seat Safe?

What you need to know before buying or borrowing a used car seat.

Date of manufacture

A car seat is not safe for use after 10 years. Exposure to extreme hot and cold weather causes plastic to weaken. Some manufacturers recommend less than 10 years. Check the expiry date located on the seat or in the instructions manual.

Safety labels

The National Safety Mark or the Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standards label must be affixed to the car seat. Car seats purchased in the United States do not meet Canadian standards and are illegal for use in Canada.

Recalls or public notices

Contact Transport Canada at 1-800-333-0371 or 613-998-8616 in Ottawa, or visit their Web site, to learn if a recall or a public notice has been issued for your seat. You will need to provide the date of manufacturer and model number located on the seat.

History of the seat

Enquire if the car seat has been involved in a collision, even if the child was not in the seat at the time. No matter how little damage was done to the vehicle, it is recommended that the seat be safely destroyed and replaced.

Car seat manual

The manufacturer’s instructions are essential in order to correctly install and use a car seat. If you do not have the instructions for the seat, contact the manufacturer for a copy.

Condition of the seat

Verify that the seat is in good condition and that all parts are present. Ensure that:

• The harness straps are not frayed or torn;
• The harness buckle and the chest clip are intact;
• The seat liner is intact and not torn;
• The seat frame is not bent, cracked or rusted;
• The plastic shell has no stress marks or cracks;
• The tether strap is present (except for infant only seats);
• The anchor bolt assembly is present (except for infant only seats);
• The locking clip is included.

Compatibility with your vehicle

Not all car seats fit in all vehicles. The only way to know is to try it. At least 80 per cent of the car seat base must be supported by the vehicle seat. There should be no more than one inch side-to-side movement where the seat belt fastens.

You should only buy or borrow a used car seat if all of the above criteria are met.

Remember to Keep Your Child Safe!