By Graham FisherSafety note: your car seat’s manual, labels and manufacturer are the authority on its useful life and use after a crash. This guide explains where to find that information and which official resources to use.
Car seats do not last forever, and some are recalled to fix safety issues. Knowing where to find your seat’s dates and model number, and how to check and receive recall notices, takes only a few minutes.
Find your seat’s labels
Car seats carry labels, usually on the sides, back or underside of the shell, that show:
- Model name and number
- Date of manufacture
- Expiration date or useful life, either printed as a date or stated in the manual as a number of years from the manufacture date
- Weight and height limits for each mode of use
Take a photo of these labels and keep it with the manual. You will need the model number and manufacture date to check recalls and contact the manufacturer.
Why car seats expire
Manufacturers set a useful life for each seat. Common reasons given include wear on materials from heat, cold and sunlight over years, changes in safety standards and technology, and the difficulty of tracking a seat’s history over a long period. The useful life varies by manufacturer and model, so check your seat’s label and manual rather than relying on a general rule.
Do not use a seat after its expiration date.
Register your car seat
Registering your seat with the manufacturer means you will be contacted directly if there is a recall. New seats come with a registration card, and most manufacturers also offer online registration. NHTSA also provides information on registering car seats on its car seats page.
Check for recalls
- Use NHTSA’s recalls search, which includes car seats, by entering the manufacturer and model information.
- Check the manufacturer’s website for recall and safety notices.
- If your seat is recalled, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Many recalls are fixed with a free remedy kit or replacement part.
Check for recalls when you first get a seat, especially a secondhand one, and periodically while you use it if it is not registered.
Car seats and crashes
NHTSA recommends replacing car seats following a moderate or severe crash. NHTSA has published criteria describing a minor crash after which a seat may not need to be replaced, but your car seat manufacturer may have stricter rules, and some require replacement after any crash. Check your seat’s manual and contact the manufacturer if you are unsure. Some auto insurance policies cover car seat replacement after a crash; ask your insurer.
Used car seats
Hand-me-down and secondhand seats can be used safely only when you know the full history. Avoid any seat that:
- Has been in a crash that requires replacement under NHTSA guidance or the manufacturer’s rules, or whose crash history is unknown.
- Is past its expiration date or has no readable date label.
- Has missing parts, labels or manual (manuals can often be downloaded from the manufacturer).
- Has cracks, frayed harness straps or damaged buckles.
- Has been recalled without the remedy applied.
Accepting a seat from someone you know and trust, who can confirm its history, is very different from buying from a stranger.
Care that helps a seat stay safe
- Clean the seat and harness only as the manual directs. Some cleaning methods can weaken harness webbing.
- Use only accessories made or approved by the seat’s manufacturer for that model. Aftermarket inserts, covers and harness pads can affect performance.
- Keep the manual with the seat, or note where to download it.
Frequently asked questions
How long do car seats last?
It varies by manufacturer and model. Check the expiration date on the label or the useful life stated in the manual.
Can I use a car seat after a minor fender bender?
NHTSA has criteria for minor crashes, but your manufacturer’s rules take priority and may be stricter. Check the manual or contact the manufacturer.
Where do I find recall information?
NHTSA’s recalls search and the manufacturer’s website. Registering your seat ensures you receive notices directly.
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About Graham Fisher
Graham Fisher is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our baby gear guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
