What to consider before Buying Car Seats

Most comfortable car seats keep drivers focused on the road and passengers feeling at ease while on the go. Car manufacturers ensure that they are made for maximum comfort so that no matter the posture, there is enough cushion to keep you cozy. They come in a variety of designs and sizes, depending on the vehicle size and model. If you are intending on making adjustments or replacements to your car seats, then you need to look into a few options first before you make any decision to purchase.

Car seats have four main parts. The lower seat is the place upon which you sit. Most car seats are adjustable and can be pushed forward or backward to allow room for movement. The backrest is the part of the seat perpendicular to the lower seat that offers back support. It is also adjustable, with a lever that you can pull to recline at the angle of your preference. Race cars, however, do not recline. The headrest is attached to the backrest and offers support for the head. It was initially installed as a safety measure and it helps in minimizing whiplash and other injuries to the head in the event of a collision. In recent times, headrests have become a convenient location for installing video monitors. The armrest offers side support in car seats and can come in different forms.

1. For style and comfort

Good car seats are highly adjustable for maximum comfort. They also come in different designs. There are three main styles of car seats available in the market. Reclining bucket seats are the most common style of car seats available today. They are mostly made for single occupancy with a reclining backrest. They feature mainly as front seats for large SUVs, probably with several rows of seats or in two door sedans with back seats. Fixed bucket seats mainly feature in cars like sports cars that do not require recliners. They are mainly made of steel frames with high-density upholstery for adequate support. They normally have harnesses instead of seat belts. Bench seats are primarily found in trucks designed for multiple occupancy. Many are made such that they can lie flat to create more space in the trunk.

2. Children’s car seats

In most places, car seats for children are a requirement by law. Many car seat manufacturers manufacture different types for children ranging from zero to seven years. They usually come with a leave-in base that can be attached in the vehicle. Infants and toddlers can use convertible car seats. It should only be rear facing for children below one year. Afterwards, it can be front facing if the child is over a year old and weighing twenty pounds and above. Some convertible car seats hold up to sixty-five pounds. Booster car seats can be used by children weighing at least 40 pounds. Choosing the appropriate car seat for your child requires you to do some research so that you know the right type of car seat for your child at whichever age. Make sure that the seat you buy for the child has safety features to secure your child. Frequent cleaning up will be required on a child’s car seat. You may need a removable car seat cover that you can easily wash.

3. Unique extra features

Sometimes, original manufacturer car seats may not have some much-needed features included. That would explain why many people opt to change their car seats. A harness can be installed in racing cars as a safety measure for the driver and the other passengers during high-speed navigation. You can also add car covers to keep the original vehicle upholstery stain free. Warmers are extra features that some high-end vehicles have built into their original car seats. However, you can have a heating pad fitted between the car seat cover and the seat for warmth. If you have a back problem, then lumbar support can help keep your posture right.

4. Car seat safety laws

Various legislations have been put in place regarding car seats as a measure to keep passengers safe. Most of them require that children below the age of at least seven years should have a safety seat. These regulations differ across states and even nations. At every age, there is the standard legal requirement for the type and position of seats to be used by any child. Most regulations require children to be seated in the back seat. It is also recommended that children’s car seats have restraints. However, a few special cases may dictate otherwise. In the instance that the child has a disability or an illness that requires the absence of a restrain, then drivers must always have a letter indicating the case with them whenever they ferry such a child. The five-point harness has greatly improved the safety of children in car seats. The straps in the harness are adjustable depending on the child’s size. Each vehicle manufactured after 2002 has been fitted with a LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system that eases the installation of children’s car seats. Vehicle manufacturers’ manuals can point out exactly where the anchors are in case they are not visible.

5. Maintenance of car seats

The regimen for cleaning car seats differs depending on the material of the car seat. Cleaning a fabric seat is different from cleaning leather seats. There is a wide range of cleaning products used in cleaning each type of car seat material. Fabric seats must be cleaned gently to keep the fabric from being damaged. Ammonia-based products should also not be used on leather seats. However, as a standard rule for cleaning, you should thoroughly vacuum the seats just to remove any debris or loose dirt that may be on the seats.

A car seat cover can be a good investment for keeping stains away from your vehicle seats. Covers can also conceal and prevent wear and tear. Fur, canvas, sheepskin, leather and vinyl are just but a few of the materials used in making seat covers. It is possible to get the covers customized for a perfect fit. Universal fit covers are an affordable alternative that can easily be replaced when need arises.