We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Cars

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How do I Choose the Best Rental Car Seat?

Autumn Rivers
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 3,549
Share

Many rental car agencies allow customers to rent car seats when traveling with infants. Your child's safety depends on your discernment when it comes to accepting a temporary car seat for your rental car, so it's good to learn some details to consider first. One of the most important aspects to ascertain is that the rental car seat is in good working order, with no cracks or broken buckles. Another detail you can usually detect right away is its cleanliness; a dirty car seat can result in your child picking up germs during your travels. Additionally, make sure the seat fits properly in the rental car, is the correct size for your infant and has not expired.

The rental car seat you choose should be free of cracks and dents in the plastic, because they can make the entire seat too weak to properly protect your child in an accident. Look over the entire seat carefully to find any weak spots or spots that show excessive wear and tear. Inspect the harness and buckles, too, before you accept the temporary car seat. Though a twisted belt can be easily remedied, a buckle that does not latch is unacceptable. If you are able to latch the buckle, pull on the harness to make sure it stays in place.

Some rental car companies may forget to clean their rental car seats before offering them to customers. Thus, while you are inspecting the seat for damage, take its cleanliness into consideration. If there are crumbs, dirt, or sticky areas on the rental car seat, request a different one or wipe down the seat with soap and water or antibacterial wipes. You should also turn the car seat upside down to get rid of any crumbs. These steps should allow your infant to sit in the rental car seat without getting sick from picking up old food or bacteria left the seat by its last occupant.

Check the expiration date of the rental car seat, because some agencies forget to throw out old seats. This kind of product is not considered safe for use after it expires; the plastic tends to break down after about five years, making it too weak to withstand the impact of a car accident. The rental car seat should list its expiration date on its bottom or side, or at least its date of manufacture, which should not be more than five years prior.

While you are looking for this information, also check for weight and height limits, which should be listed in the same area as the date. If you cannot find it, ask the car rental agency for the manual, because using a seat that is too large or too small for your child will not offer the proper protection in an accident. Be sure the car seat also can be properly installed in the car you're renting. Some car seats are not compatible with all cars, and improper installation also affects the seat's effectiveness.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Autumn Rivers
By Autumn Rivers
Autumn Rivers, a talented writer for WiseGeek, holds a B.A. in Journalism from Arizona State University. Her background in journalism helps her create well-researched and engaging content, providing readers with valuable insights and information on a variety of subjects.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Autumn Rivers
Autumn Rivers
Autumn Rivers, a talented writer for WiseGeek, holds a B.A. in Journalism from Arizona State University. Her background in journalism helps her create well-researched and engaging content, providing readers with valuable insights and information on a variety of subjects.
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/how-do-i-choose-the-best-rental-car-seat.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.