Tips on How to Install a Child Car Seat in Your Toyota
Did you know that three out of every four child car seats are installed incorrectly? With warmer weather here and school coming to a close for the summer, chances are you will be going on some family adventures or camping trips to local state parks. If and when you embark on your family vacation, we want you and your little ones to stay safe, so we put together a short review of tips on how to install a child car seat in your Toyota.
We hope that these quick tidbits of advice will be helpful for first-time parents as well as parents who may not have all the facts. Just follow these tips and keep your little ones safe when you buckle their car seats into your new 2016 Toyota Highlander.
1. Always Use the Inch and Pinch Tests
When you buckle your child’s car seat into the back of your 2016 Toyota RAV4, whether by using the LATCH system or seatbelts, these two quick and easy tests will ensure a proper fit. After your child is strapped in, pinch the car seat strap on their shoulder — if you can pinch a wrinkle in the strap, it needs to be tightened. To ensure the car seat is properly installed — give the car seat a tug. If the car seat moves more than an inch, you need to tighten it up.
READ MORE: 5 Things You Need to Know About Child Car Seat Safety
2. Never Add Layers Between Your Child and the Car Seat
We have all felt the sting of hot vinyl or leather on skin when getting into the car, and we want to protect our children from that familiar burn. While this is a noble idea, it is important that you do not put any towels or layers between your child and their safety seat. This will hinder a proper fit and could interfere with the seat’s ability to keep your little one safe in the event of an accident.
3. Cool Off and Then Buckle Up
Everyone understands the furnace blast of heat when you open a car door in the summer, and we all know that if it is uncomfortable for us, it is certainly uncomfortable for a toddler. Plan ahead and give your car a little time to cool off before you hit the road to your favorite local bike trail this summer. Make sure to check the car seats and buckles for temperature and never leave your child in a hot car.
4. Do Not Rent a Car Seat
If you and your family plan to fly to a far-off and tropical destination and rent a car when you arrive, it is important that you bring your own car seat. When you rent a car seat, there is no way of knowing how long the seat has been used (yes, car seats do have expiration dates) or whether or not it has been in an accident. Bring your car seat from home — many airlines will allow you to check your car seat for free.
READ MORE: How Can Toyota Safety Sense Improve Safety?
5. Keep Loose Items in Your Car Secure
Chances are, if you are hitting the road this summer in search of family adventure, you are bringing a good deal of cargo with you. Make sure all of these items are secure. In the event of an accident, these pieces can become dangerous projectiles.
While we want you to truly enjoy your vacation and time spent with children this summer, it is important that everyone stay safe on the road — especially the little ones. Follow these quick tips on how to install a child car seat in your Toyota and keep everyone safe this summer. If you are looking for a new family vehicle this summer, stop in and explore the Toyota of Greensburg inventory. We have countless models that are tailor-made for families!
Connect with us
