How do you correctly install a car seat?
How do you correctly install a car seat?
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Protecting your most precious cargo is vital, and that means making sure that your car seat is correctly installed every single time. You should also double check it before putting your child in the car seat, even if it hasn’t been removed. Here’s how to install one the right way:
Refer to the manufacturer’s directions for specific information for your actual model.
Place the car seat in the back seat of the car.
Use the correct seat belt and buckle (all seating positions in the Fusion have a shoulder and lap belt combination).
Secure the seat according to the manufacturer’s directions. Otherwise:
Route the belt (both lap and shoulder portions) through the back of the seat.
Make sure the belt isn’t twisted.
Slide the buckle into the latch.
Listen for it to “click.”
Pull on it to test it.
Make sure the seat belt is in Automatic Locking mode.
Let the belt retract and then double check that it is locked.
Check that the car seat is secure.
Attach the tether if you’re using one (the anchors are located above the seatbacks).
Tip
If using a car seat with lower tethers, attach them to the lower anchor points in the back seat according to the manufacturer’s directions.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :
Make sure the straps and clip lie flat against your child`s chest and over their hips with no slack. If you need to, place tightly rolled small blankets alongside your baby for head and neck support. If the car seat maker allows, place a rolled washcloth between the crotch strap and your baby to make a safer fit.
Kidsafe NSW recommends that you use an authorised professional to check or install your child`s car seat.
Common mistakes include routing the seat belt through the wrong belt path, failing to use a top tether for a forward-facing car seat, installing a rear-facing infant seat in the front passenger seat, and using both the seat belt and the lower anchors at the same time.
Install in the Backseat
The car seat should always be installed in the back seat. That is the safest spot for your baby. If you can, put the car seat in the center seat. If not, it is fine behind either the driver or passenger side.
For a seat belt to fit properly the lap belt must lie snugly across the upper thighs, not the stomach. The shoulder belt should lie snugly across the shoulder and chest and not cross the neck or face. Remember: your child should still ride in the back seat because it`s safer there.
Where is the safest place to put a car seat? A study published in Pediatrics, showed for children newborn to 3 years old and all installs being equal, sitting in the center rear seat is 43% safer than sitting on the side in the back. The rear center position will be the furthest from any impact in any type of crash.
Even for a short trip, it`s never safe for one of you to hold your baby in your arms while the other drives. Your baby could be pulled from your arms and thrown against the dashboard by a quick stop. Consider buying, renting, or borrowing a car seat before your baby`s born, when you have time to choose carefully.
The LATCH system has three vehicle anchor points: two lower anchors where the seat backrest and seat cushion meet (called the seat bight) and one top tether anchor behind that seating position.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
I put the wrong key in my car and a few weeks later my car just shut down and it will not start I believe it’s the computer but…
ANSWER : Hi there. What had happened is the wrong key set the security to the vehicle. This is to prevent the vehicle from starting with the wrong keys. Try removing the battery cables (+) and (-) for 13 minutes. During that time, put the original key in the ignition and turn it on. Activate everything in the car even though there is no power. Then remove the key and hook up the battery cables. The computer should have reset and reset the security. If the security is still being tripped, then I recommend seeking out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you
Replaced alternator on car 2 times each time shows it’s charging 14v let car run for a little bit then test drive and car voltage
ANSWER : There are reports that the replacement alternators will not communicate with the engine computer and will not charge correctly. I recommend using only the manufacturer approved replacement part. It can be new or remanufactured but approved for use in the vehicle. Some lower cost alternators on the aftermarket will have charging problems since they will not communicate with the ECM on the vehicle and will stop charging.
Driver car seat has a folding issue.
ANSWER : Hi there. Check the seat lever and see if it is moving correctly. There may be a lock on the back of the seat that overrides the seat tilt that can allow the seat to tilt all the way back. If the seat is not able to work properly, then you can switch out the seat as long as the seat is the same and the position sensor can bolt up to the rail on the other seat. Plus the mounting bolt holes will have to align up to mount the seat properly to make the seat secure. If you need further assistance with seat not tilting, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.
Battery and oil light come on when trying to start car, take keys out try again car starts no problem and lights go away
ANSWER : Of course, don’t switch gears without being fully stopped, unless your Owner’s Manual or the manufacturer has alternative advice. However, the gear shift issue has no relation to the no-start problem you are describing. Inasmuch as you only have 6,000 miles on the car, the "constant on and off" that you believe has occurred is meaningless in comparison to the expected total vehicle service life. That is, assume what you perceive as "constant on and off", during merely 6,000 miles, might be equivalent to using the car "normally" for three years. A new car should be trouble free for at least 5 years, unless there is a defect, so your "constant on and off" is not a causal factor for any fault on the vehicle. What you might have is a defect in the ignition switch, or perhaps the immobilizer system, but if the problem is not in the switch itself, clearly there is an electrical problem.
If your vehicle is under warranty, by law the dealer MUST repair the issue you are describing within a prescribed time frame and number of "attempts", otherwise the dealer will run afoul of Federal and state Lemon Laws that give you very specific rights, and recourse (contact an Attorney; we are Mechanics, NOT attorneys). Consequently, if the vehicle is still under warranty, to save yourself money do be sure to seek a resolution from the dealer. If the vehicle is not under warranty, obviously a certified Mechanic from YourMechanic could identify the electrical fault and resolve this for you. If you want to go that route, please simply request a no start diagnostic -electrical system and the responding certified mechanic will get this taken care of for you. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.
2011 Chevrolet Camaro"Driver side power seat"…..Seat back won’t come up. Dealer says its over $4,000.
ANSWER : Without knowing what the actual problem is, it would be difficult to say which estimate is accurate. It is quite a price difference. The problem can be caused by a faulty electric motor, which may be a few hundred dollars to replace, or possible a broken seat frame or drive mechanism, which can cost much more One of our mobile technicians can come to you and check into why the seat is not working and give you a diagnosis and/or estimate for repairs.
Reference point for the width of the car and correct steering method.
ANSWER : Hi there, thanks for writing in. Being that you’re a new driver, if you live in the United States; I’d take advantage of a great program aimed at teens called B.R.A.K.E.S. (Be Responsible and Keep Everybody Safe). It’s based in North Carolina, but they have BRAKES events across the US. They teach defensive driving tactics and also how to gauge the overall width, length of your vehicle.
Without knowing what type of vehicle you’re planning on driving first, it’s difficult for us to tell you what reference point is good. However, when driving, having your hands at 10 o’clock and two o’clock position is the best for easy and safe operation of the steering wheel. It’s also a good idea for you to take a basic driving education class; which can easily be researched online.
How do you correctly install a car seat?
ANSWER : Protecting your most precious cargo is vital, and that means making sure that your car seat is correctly installed every single time. You should also double check it before putting your child in the car seat, even if it hasn’t been removed. Here’s how to install one the right way:
Refer to the manufacturer’s directions for specific information for your actual model.
Place the car seat in the back seat of the car.
Use the correct seat belt and buckle (all seating positions in the Fusion have a shoulder and lap belt combination).
Secure the seat according to the manufacturer’s directions. Otherwise:
Route the belt (both lap and shoulder portions) through the back of the seat.
Make sure the belt isn’t twisted.
Slide the buckle into the latch.
Listen for it to “click.”
Pull on it to test it.
Make sure the seat belt is in Automatic Locking mode.
Let the belt retract and then double check that it is locked.
Check that the car seat is secure.
Attach the tether if you’re using one (the anchors are located above the seatbacks).
Tip
If using a car seat with lower tethers, attach them to the lower anchor points in the back seat according to the manufacturer’s directions.
How do you correctly install a child car seat in the front?
ANSWER : First and foremost, never put your child in the front passenger seat of your Altima unless there is no other option. Children under the age of 13 should be in the back for the best safety. However, if you absolutely must install a child seat in the front, here’s how:
Make sure the seat is front facing. Under no circumstances should you ever put a rear facing car seat in the front passenger seat.
Move the passenger seat as far back as possible from the dash.
Follow your car seat manufacturer’s directions on positioning.
Route the belt through the seat following the manufacturer’s directions.
Make sure the shoulder belt runs behind the seat, never across the front.
Check that the seat is secure and stable.
Tip
The Air Bag Off light should come on in the dash to indicate that the air bag for the passenger front seat has been turned off.
