When Does a Car Seat Expire?
If you're a parent, you most likely do everything that you can to keep your child or children safe, especially during their younger years.
While on the road, the most effective thing that you can do to keep your young one safe is to use a high-quality car seat. However, if you have an old car seat kicking around or have been gifted one by a family member, you may be tempted to use it. Before using a previously-owned car seat, you should make sure that it hasn't expired.
This leads to today's question — when does a car seat expire?
We'll answer this question (and many more!) in the following paragraphs. Continue reading to learn more.
When does a car seat expire for drivers in Canada?
Unfortunately, there's no one-size-fits-all answer to this question.
Numerous factors can affect the expiry date on car seats, ranging from the quality to the level of wear and tear.
That being said, we can say that most modern car seats last roughly six years. However, a well-maintained car seat can last as long as ten years.
So, even though there’s no sure-fire answer to the question “when do car seats expire in Canada?”, we can say that most car seats can last six to ten years.
Is it illegal to drive with an expired car seat in Canada?
No, it isn't illegal to drive with an expired car seat, but we don't recommend doing so. Driving with an expired car seat puts your child at a greater risk of serious injuries in the event of an accident or collision. Because of this, most parents update their car seats once their current model has expired.
Bonus tip — Learn about the car seat laws that are in place in Alberta.
How long does a car seat last on average?
As mentioned earlier, car seats generally expire after six to ten years of usage. But this doesn't guarantee that your car seat will last that long. Several variables can influence the lifespan of the particular model of car seat that you currently own. Some of these variables include:
Updates to safety standards and regulations regarding car seats
Thanks to innovations in engineering and technology, modern car seat manufacturers are able to produce new models faster than ever before. Because of this, safety agencies and associations need to update their safety standards and regulations regularly.
If you own an older car seat, it may no longer meet the standards set by these agencies, which means that it's no longer the best option for your child.
Car seat recalls
Unfortunately, even the best manufacturers make mistakes. When a manufacturer makes a mistake that comprises the quality or safety level of a product, they'll recall the model.
If you're thinking about using an old car seat, make sure that your model hasn't been recalled. You can check to see if your current car seat has been recalled by visiting the manufacturer's website. If it has, we suggest disposing of the car seat and purchasing a newer model (we'll touch on that again shortly).
Car seat wear and tear
Wear and tear heavily influences the overall lifespan of a car seat. Typically, the more that you use a car seat, the more likely it'll get cracked, chipped or damaged (this is particularly true if you transfer the seat to different vehicles regularly).
If you want to extend the overall lifespan of your car seat, we suggest keeping it strapped into one vehicle (as opposed to transferring it from vehicle to vehicle).
So, if you're still wondering, "how long are infant car seats good for on average?", you can assume that the model will last six to ten years, but it may be reduced by wear and tear and changing safety regulations.
Should you purchase a used car seat?
It depends — if the car seat looks relatively new and appears to be in good condition, you can use the car seat, but it's a little bit risky.
However, if the seat looks a little worn out, be sure to ask the seller how old it is and if it was ever in an accident. If the seller tells you that the seat is over ten years old or that it was in an accident, then we suggest looking elsewhere for a car seat.
But, if the seller doesn't know, look for a manufacturer date on the car seat. Drivers can find the manufacturer date on the bottom or side of the car seat (the location varies from brand to brand).
How to dispose of an expired car seat safely and correctly
After a car seat has expired, you need to dispose of it correctly. We suggest cutting the safety straps on the car seat; doing this ensures that no one will try to use the seat in the future.
For additional peace of mind, you can also write "expired" or "do not use" on the car seat in permanent marker or spray paint. Doing this will make it clear that the car seat should not be used.
Does driving with an expired car seat affect your car insurance rates?
No, driving with an expired car seat will not impact your auto insurance rates. However, as mentioned earlier, driving with an expired car seat does make your child more prone to injuries. This can lead to higher medical expenses. If your coverage limit doesn't cover all of the medical expenses, you'll have to pay the remainder out of pocket.
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