Can a car seat bought 10 years ago still be used?
2 Answers
Not necessarily, it depends on the seat's own expiration date. Different brands of car seats have varying expiration periods, with most car seats having an expiration period between 5-6 years, while some may last 7, 10, 12 years, or even longer. Therefore, before using a car seat, it is essential to carefully check and confirm its usage period, especially when purchasing a second-hand car seat. Child car seats should be selected based on three aspects: appearance, comfort, and safety. Here are the specific details: 1. Appearance: Injection-molded seats have good pressure resistance and toughness, while blow-molded seats are lighter in weight and often have a black surface. 2. Comfort: When selecting a seat, pay close attention to the density of the fabric's pores, whether it is breathable, and whether it has sufficient elasticity and toughness. 3. Safety: (1) Buckle design: Symmetrical buckles are more common in the domestic market, but their drawback is that they are prone to individual detachment and breakage. When selecting a seat, repeatedly pull the buckle to see if it loosens easily. (2) Safety belt connector design: A qualified safety belt connector must ensure smoothness to prevent the belt from getting stuck or excessively worn. It must also be sufficiently tough—neither too soft nor too brittle—to ensure it does not break in dangerous situations while securing the safety belt.
As a parent, I'm particularly concerned about child safety, so I've researched similar issues thoroughly. A car seat that's been in use for 10 years really isn't recommended anymore—the materials degrade significantly. The plastic becomes brittle, and the internal foam may deteriorate, potentially failing to provide cushioning during a crash and putting the child at risk. All car seats have manufacturing date labels, usually on the base or back—check if it's expired (most brands recommend 5-7 years of service life). Ten years is way too long, and safety standards have been updated several times—older models simply can't meet current requirements. My neighbor hesitated to replace their old seat, and their child got injured in a minor accident—regret came too late. Don't brush it off; check the label or contact the manufacturer immediately. If it's indeed expired, get a new seat from an authorized retailer. Safety comes first—this is money well spent.
