Choosing the Right Car Seat

If you are expecting a baby, buying the right car seat is very important and should be done a couple of months before the baby is born.  All 50 states have laws requiring children to be restrained in a car seat generally up to 7 years old and many states require children up to 60 lbs. to be in a booster seat.  The key to getting your child the safest seat depends on several factors and you should know and follow the most up-to-date recommendations.    

We encourage you to do your own research and read reviews on the different models available.  Furthermore no matter which seat you buy, read and follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations as to the age range the seat is designed for as well as how to install the seat in your vehicle.  Remember that children should always ride in the backseat of a car, and as your child grows, the car seat will need to be replaced with one that is better suited for them.

Current guidelines require infants to age 1 to use rear-facing car seats and you should keep your child in a rear-facing seat as long as possible as it is the safest position for children.  A child can use a seat until they reach the height or weight limit recommended by the manufacturer.  Some rear-facing car seats are convertible and can be used as a forward facing model once a child is old enough.  

General recommendations from Parent Central on the SaferCars.gov website: 

·         From birth to age 1, a child should always ride in a rear-facing seat.  There are several options such as the infant only car seat that is always used rear-facing and designed for babies with weight limits of 22 to 35 lbs. 

·         You can also opt for a convertible infant to toddler model that has a higher weight range allowing you to keep your child rear facing for a longer period of time.  Convertible models can be used as rear-facing seats for babies and then as forward-facing seats for older toddlers.  (The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends using a rear-facing car seat until the age of 2.) 

·         There are also forward-facing seat with a harness that are intended for older children ages 4-7.  Again you need to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines regarding the weight and height of your child. 

·         Older children ages 8-12 should ride in a booster seat until they are able to fit into the car seat and shoulder belt properly.  The seat belt should fit across mid-thigh and not the stomach and the shoulder belt needs to go across the child’s shoulder and chest. 

Even though all car sets sold in the U.S. meet government standards the car seat must be properly installed for your make and model vehicle.  Always use the car seat correctly with your child securely buckled in.  

* http://www.safercar.gov/parents/RightSeat.htm

The Car Show, Inc. is a family owned and operated dealership that has been offering unsurpassed service to the community since 1987.  While we understand there are many used car dealerships in Colorado Springs, our outstanding customer service sets us apart.
You will find our prices are competitive on high-quality pre-owned cars, trucks, and motorcycles.

Drive Safe This Summer

 

Summer is finally here and many of us are planning to travel more frequently.  Each year we eagerly look forward to summertime family vacations and extended road trips.  What with an increase in traffic and a lot more road construction, sometimes a driver’s patience can wear thin but there are good reasons to keep our cool.

One of the curious things about driving in the summer is people can tend to let down their guard after driving through ice and snow all winter long and become somewhat lax about safety.  Statistics show that traffic accidents actually increase over the summer months despite better driving conditions.  So other than running into more congestion on the roads, why is there an increase in traffic accidents?

Some of the reasons may be the type of drivers, vehicles, and conditions on the road.  Summertime brings out more bicycle and motorcycle riders.  Teenagers, who are at higher risk for accidents are now out of school and on the road more frequently.  Road construction can also leads to accidents so drivers need to use caution and follow posted speeds. 

Safercar.gov urges drivers to start a road trip with a vehicle that is up-to-date on all required maintenance and repairs.  Drivers should do a visual inspection of the vehicle before starting out that includes checking tire pressure and wear, lights, wiper blades, and fluid levels.  They recommend that all children 13 years and younger ride in the backseat.  Only use car seats and booster seats that are appropriate for the age of the child and see to it that they are properly installed.     

Drivers need to be especially vigilant for pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists during the warmer weather.  Watch out for small children when in parking lots, campgrounds, and other family style activities.  Finally remember to stay sober when driving.  There are 32 alcohol related accidents every day in the U.S.

Sources:  http://www.safercar.gov/summerdrivingtips

Please check out our blog to keep you up-to-date with all the news and happenings at The Car Show as well as with any significant news from the industry. Or better yet, stop by and browse our inventory of the finest selection of Colorado Springs' used cars and trucks.