Each year, over 43,000 major car accidents occur in the United States. To assist reduce these numbers, many states in the US regulate the use of safety seats and other security devices, like as seat belts and airbags. Car seats have been shown to be useful in minimizing fatalities during collisions. According to statistics, 83% of children under the age of four were uninjured in an automobile accident between 2018 and 2022.
As an autobody shop, we are frequently asked if it is important to replace car seats following a severe or minor collision. Continue reading to learn more. Before proceeding further, there are few points to keep in mind:
- After a moderate or serious car accident, vehicle owners should replace their car seats.
- A small collision does not necessitate the vehicle owner to change their car seats.
- Knockout Collision offers expert guidance and vehicle repairs following a collision, as well as help you with insurance claims for car seat replacement.
Do You Need to Replace Your Car Seats Following an Accident?
Following a moderate or severe crash, you should replace your car’s seats. The rule applies even if the car seat has no evident flaws or damage. When it comes to car seat replacement, it’s critical to prioritize safety and take extra precautions. Even if a car seat appears to be in good condition, internal components may have undergone stress or structural damage that is not immediately visible.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gives clear recommendations for replacing vehicle seats following an accident.
Replacing car seats following an accident is crucial to ensuring your children’s safety. Car seats are intended to absorb and redistribute force during a collision. Regardless of the severity of the event, the car seat’s stability can be jeopardized. Damage to the car seat may be undetectable to the human eye. Internal components may be damaged in ways that may not show up on the outside.
Do You Need to Replace a Car Seat Following a Minor Accident?
According to the NHTSA’s guidelines, cars involved in a small collision may not always require car seat replacement. Minor collisions may have little impact on the integrity of a car seat. The NHTSA rules define a small car crash as one that meets all of the following conditions:
- The door nearest to where the car seat was undamaged.
- The crash left no people injured.
- Airbags did not deploy.
- The car’s seats showed no evident damage.
It is important to note that safety standards and requirements differ by country and location, therefore it is best to check the local laws. Lastly, focusing on safety and adhering to the manufacturer’s guidelines are critical when deciding whether to replace a car seat after any accident, minor or major.
Remember that the key purpose is to keep the car seat safe and functional. If you have any concerns regarding the structural integrity of your car seat after an accident, you should always seek guidance from car seat manufacturers or specialists.
Have you been in an accident recently? Contact Knockout Collision immediately to get experienced guidance on autobody repairs, including car seat replacement. Our team of experts will offer you with critical information and precise directions for your car.
When should you replace the car seat?
Aside from replacing car seats after an accident, there are other scenarios that need this action. Other factors for replacing a car seat include the following:
- When there is obvious damage or signs of wear.
- When the car seat is past its expiration date.
- When a recall is issued for your car seat’s brand.
- When there are modifications in applicable regulations.
Aside from an accident, these are some of the most typical reasons for changing your car seat. When unsure whether to replace a car seat, it is always a good idea to check with professionals or the manufacturer.
How Can You Be Sure the Car Seat Is Correctly Installed?
After you’ve purchased a car seat, the following step is to install it. This is a crucial stage. Here are steps you can follow to ensure that a new seat is properly installed:
- Begin by reading the manual that came with your car seat. It will explain the specifics of the car seat and provide thorough instructions for fitting it.
- Most car seats include a reclining indication. This tool will tell you whether your car seat is inclining or level with the ground. Gas stations and car seat dealerships are typically level with the ground.
- Ensure that the harness or tether strap is tight and flat, with no twists.
- Hold the car seat at the belt path and try moving it side to side and front to back. It should move no more than an inch in any direction.
Prioritize safety with the help of experts at Knockout Collision.
All vehicle owners understand that the best thing to do following a collision, whether minor, moderate, or severe, is to get your vehicle checked by professionals. Knockout Collision has been offering auto body and collision repair services for decades. Our professionals can assist you in determining the needs of your car, providing professional advice and a detailed estimate. We can even assist you with insurance company issues because we work with all major insurance carriers.
