Second Hand Car seats
It is not advisable to use a child car seat that is second hand. You have no knowledge of the seat's history and whether or not it has been involved in a crash. The seat may not have any visable damage to the eye, yet it will not be able to protect a child in a subsequent crash due to the stresses that were put on the seat. If you have a child seat that has been involved in a crash, cut up the straps and throw it out!
Second hand seats are often missing instructions, and you will not know if vital components are also missing. Unless your seat is coming from a family member or close friend, it is best to not be tempted by the bargain and steer clear.
Whenever you buy a child seat you should get advice on whether or not it will fit your car and how to fit it correctly.
It goes without saying to avoid car boot child seats and charity/nearly new shop child seats - there simply is no way of knowing or guaranteeing your child will be safe.
Expired child seats
Child seats are currently tested to ECE R44.04 and the most current regulation is iSize.
Child seats marked ECE R44.03 may still be used, but not sold - this includes selling on your seat.
Child seats marked ECE R44.01 and ECE R44.02 are illegal to be used or sold, including using a seat you have had from new or selling one on.
It is not advisable to use a child car seat that is second hand. You have no knowledge of the seat's history and whether or not it has been involved in a crash. The seat may not have any visable damage to the eye, yet it will not be able to protect a child in a subsequent crash due to the stresses that were put on the seat. If you have a child seat that has been involved in a crash, cut up the straps and throw it out!
Second hand seats are often missing instructions, and you will not know if vital components are also missing. Unless your seat is coming from a family member or close friend, it is best to not be tempted by the bargain and steer clear.
Whenever you buy a child seat you should get advice on whether or not it will fit your car and how to fit it correctly.
It goes without saying to avoid car boot child seats and charity/nearly new shop child seats - there simply is no way of knowing or guaranteeing your child will be safe.
Expired child seats
Child seats are currently tested to ECE R44.04 and the most current regulation is iSize.
Child seats marked ECE R44.03 may still be used, but not sold - this includes selling on your seat.
Child seats marked ECE R44.01 and ECE R44.02 are illegal to be used or sold, including using a seat you have had from new or selling one on.