Car Seat Changes for LATCH System Limits

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has outline car seat changes regarding the weight-limit on the LATCH system in cars and trucks beginning February 2014.

Previously, weight-limits and car seat guidelines were based on the height and weight of a child. These new limits would set parameters around the LATCH system and the combined weight of the child and the car seat.

This presents some challenges for parents with the actual weight of the car seat, and in the case of infant car seats, the anchor, varying between brands.

The NHTSA is setting the new combined weight limit (car seat + child) for LATCH systems at 65 pounds.

Once they’ve reached that threshold, parents will need to move children into a car seat or booster seat that utilizes the seatbelt restraint system in the vehicle. 

Image via SafeCar.gov

The last big change to car seat recommendations came in 2011 from the American Academy of Pediatrics when it was recommended that children remain in rear-facing car seats until the age of two, rather than transition to forward-facing seats at one year of age.

For more details on this change, visit the following links: 

LATCH System Video Tutorials from NHTSA 

How to Find the Right Car Seat

State Car Seat Laws

If you have questions about your LATCH system, please visit any of our Service Department locations.

Safe travels!

Car Emergency Kit Supplies

Family road trips, winter storms, and holiday errands add up to a lot more time spent behind the wheel of the car. Unexpected delays can pop up, making a well-stocked car emergency kit a must-have item for every vehicle in your driveway.

Regardless of the kind of weather you’ll encounter, there are items that are key components for each car emergency kit. They are:

• Jumper cables 
• Roadside flares 
• Antifreeze 
• Medical first aid kit 
• Drinking water 
• Food 
• High protein, high calorie foods like nuts and energy bars 
• Small automotive tool kit that includes: 
• Pliers, screwdriver, adjustable wrench, multi-tool, tire pressure gauge, and cable ties 
• Flashlight 
• Duct tape 
• Gloves 

If you live in an area, or are planning a visit to an area, plagued by cold temperatures and winter storms, you’ll want to include these additional items to your car emergency kit:

• Blanket or sleeping bag for warmth 
• Extra coat 
• A small shovel 
• Hand warmers 
• Matches 
• Road salt, sand, or kitty litter 
• Sprinkle this near tires for traction if you get stuck 

If you live in an area that sees temperatures rise to scorching levels during the summer months (we’re looking at YOU, Arizona) you’ll want to take extra care to make sure that your car emergency kit includes:

• A Gallon of water 
• Extra windshield sun reflector 
• To be used in the back window for additional shading 

If you’ve got young children as passengers include the following:

• Diapers 
• Wet wipes 
• Roll of toilet paper 
• Garbage bags 
• Age appropriate snacks (Good luck getting a toddler to eat a Clif bar.) 

Tire irons, tire jacks, spare tires, auto tools, and car emergency kits can all be purchased at any of our dealerships in the parts and service departments.

For locations visit our website, www.lhmauto.com.

Safe travels!