Motor Trend : Not Out of The Woods Yet: Toyota, Honda Down in September, Nissan Up 25.3 Percent

Not Out of The Woods Yet: Toyota, Honda Down in September, Nissan Up 25.3 Percent

Alex Nishimoto on October 3 2011 3:00 PM

Continuing the trend from the past few months, Nissan sales were up for September, while Toyota and Honda sales were down. Though September marked a return to normalcy for the automakers most affected by the March earthquake and tsunami that rocked Japan, the numbers seem to show that a return to pre-earthquake sales performance could take a bit more time.

Nissan North America

Nissan is up 25.3 percent, raising sales in September 2010 from 74,205 units to 92,964 in September 2011. The automaker also reports year-over-year sales gains for both Nissan and Infiniti brands in September. The Nissan brand is up 28.2 percent at 84,485 units sold, compared to the 65,900 units sold during the same month last year, while Infiniti rises slightly over last September, with sales of 8479 units compared to 8305 for a gain of 2.1 percent.

Nissan – 84,485 units sold, Up 28.2 percent

Nissan’s bread-and-butter Altima sedan once again led in sales volume, selling 24,356 units in September, compared to 20,016 units sold the same month last year – a gain of 21.7 percent. The Nissan Versa was second highest in volume, with 11,800 units sold in September. That number eclipses the 7081 units sold September 2010, and represents an increase of 68.1 percent, perhaps due in part to the new Versa sedan, which had its first full sales month in September. The Nissan Rogue also saw strong sales in September, gaining 2.9.1 percent with 10,740 units sold versus the 8318 units of the small crossover moved the same period last year.

But not all models came out ahead this past month. The Nissan Cube dropped 71.1 percent, with just 440 units sold compared to the 1523 Cube models sold September last year. The 370Z dropped 40.4 percent, with 469 units sold compared to 787 the same period last year.

Infiniti – 8479 units sold, Up 2.1 percent

The Infiniti G sedan range led sales volume for Nissan’s luxury marque, with 3940 units sold compared to the 3056 G sedan models moved in September 2010, representing a gain of 28.9 percent. The Infiniti QX SUV sold 1206 units, versus 822 the same period last year for a gain of 46.7 percent. The Infiniti M lost ground this past month, selling 905 units, compared to last September’s total of 1460 – a decrease of 38 percent. The EX crossover also came up short this past month, selling 610 units compared to the 747 sold the same period last year for a decrease of 18.3 percent.

American Honda Motor Company

Despite the automaker now claiming to be up to speed at all of its production facilities, overall sales were down for American Honda, dropping 8.0 percent from last September’s total of 97,362 units sold, at 89,532 this past month. Year-to-date, Honda is down 6.2 percent, with 859,797 units sold in the first three quarters of 2011, compared to 912,436 the same period last year. The Honda brand is down 8.2 percent, selling 79,522 units, shy of the 86,641 units sold in September 2010. The Acura division is down 7.9 percent, with 10,010 units sold, compared to the 10,720 Acura models sold September of last year.

Honda – 79,522 units sold, Down 8.2 percent

The CR-V was Honda’s sales volume leader, selling 19,604 units in September for a gain of 9.5 percent over the 17,907 sold the same period last year. The Accord was Honda’s second best-selling model of the month, moving 18,639 units. But despite high sales volume, the model was down 13.8 percent from September 2010, when 21,620 Accords were sold. The Honda Pilot increased sales by 27.9 percent over September of last year, selling 10,306 units, compared to the 8059 units sold the same period in 2010. Honda’s dedicated hybrid, the Insight, saw a substantial decrease in sales compared to September 2010, with just 512 units sold compared to 1679 last year, a loss of 69.5 percent. The hybrid hatchback CR-Z also took a hit in September, decreasing 56.6 percent at 537 units sold, compared to 1236 the same period last year. The Crosstour, which recently had its affiliation with the Accord severed, decreased 54.2 percent, with 1148 units sold compared to 2507 in September 2010. The new-for-2012 Civic is down 26.4 percent, with 13,724 units sold compared to the 18,637 units of the previous generation sold September of last year. Honda says assembly of that car is nearing full-production status.

Acura – 10,010 units sold, Down 6.6 percent

Acura reports the TSX experienced a record September, posting sales of 3112 units – a gain of 37.9 percent over the 2507 units sold September of last year. The rest of Acura’s lineup was down from September of the previous year. The aging RL lost the most ground, selling just 43 units compared to the 240 sold in September 2010, representing an 82.1-percent decrease. The ZDX crossover also didn’t fare as well as it did last September, moving 87 units compared to 251 the same month in 2010 for a loss of 65.3 percent. The newly refreshed and face-lifted TL was just a smidge below its performance in September 2010, selling 2507 units compared to 2514 last year, a decrease of 0.3 percent.

Toyota Motor Sales

Production hang-ups relating to the March earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan have apparently been resolved for Toyota, as the automaker reports that production in both North America and Japan returned to pre-earthquake levels in September. Still, Toyota was down overall for the month, posting total sales 106,456 vehicles compared to 130,214 units sold in September 2010, a decrease of 17.5 percent.

Toyota – 106,456 units sold, Down 18.2 percent

Sales of 24,851 Camry models led the Toyota brand’s sales volume, though that number is down 19.2 percent from the 30,769 units sold September of last year. The Corolla also saw a decrease in September, selling 16,147 units compared to the 21,060 units sold the same period in 2010, shrinking 23.3 percent. Toyota moved 9325 units of its dedicated hybrid Prius in September, down 18.2 percent from the same period last year, when 11,394 Prius models were sold.

Among Toyota’s light trucks, SUVs, and vans, the Sienna minivan led sales volume, posting sales of 8975 units in September. That number is down 9.5 percent from the 9920 units sold the same period last year. The low-volume Land Cruiser SUV was up 21.1 percent, with 132 units sold versus 109 in September 2010.


Lexus – 14,995 units sold, Down 11.5 percent

The ES 350 was the sales volume leader among Lexus’ passenger cars in September, with 3627 units sold, just shy of the 3697 units sold the same period last year – a decrease of 1.9 percent. The IS was up slightly for the month of September, raising 3.8 percent with 2539 units sold, compared to 2447 a year earlier. Lexus’ flagship LS, the first nameplate sold under the Lexus banner in the U.S., was also up slightly for the month, selling 729 units compared to 711 in September 2010 for a gain of 2.4 percent. Four more LFA supercar models were sold in September, bringing the total number sold in the U.S. to 44. The HS hybrid was down 67.5 percent, selling 231 units in September, compared to 711 the same month the previous year. The RX took the sales lead among Lexus’ SUVs, selling 5003 units, but sales of 7420 RX models a year prior makes for a decrease of 32.6 percent.


Scion – 3838 units sold, Up 7.7 percent

Scion came out ahead in September, partially due to relatively strong sales of its tC sports coupe, which led sales volume at 1752 units sold and was up 78.6 percent from the same month in 2010, when just 981 tC models were sold. The xB was close behind in sales volume, with 1415 units sold, but last September’s sales of 1687 units equate to a decrease of 16.1 percent for the quirky five-door. Down 24.9 percent, the xD nearly repeats its performance from last month, when the model was down 24.5 percent, posting sales of 671 units, compared to 894 the same month a year prior.

Source: Nissan, Honda, Toyota

This Article From Motor Trend was brought to you by University Nissan of Boone, NC. To read the full article and find out more information, please follow this link: http://wot.motortrend.com/not-out-of-the-woods-yet-toyota-honda-down-in-september-nissan-up-25-3-percent-122873.html#ixzz1Zw2wcOQs

Nissan Altima Sedan Review

2011 Nissan Altima Review

This Article is from http://ebodhitree.com/2011-nissan-altima-review.html

Written By Alison   May 2, 2011

The Nissan Altima has been the flagship sedan for Nissan, and is the top selling car worldwide for Nissan. The 2011 Nissan Altima comes in two variants sedan and coupe. Learn more about the Nissan Altima in the 2011 Nissan Altima Review.

2011 Nissan Altima Review

The 2011 Nissan Altima comes with a choice of either gasoline or hybrid engines, the front-wheel-drive 2011 Nissan Altima 2.5S sedan has a 2.4-liter in-line 4 cylinder with direct-injection gasoline engine, giving it ample power, however the Nissan Altima also provides you with a luxurious feel in the interiors with top of the line finishing, electronics and fabulous design making the Nissan Altima a complete package when compared with the price of the car.

The Nissan Altima has been and is a true family car, Nissan have never meant the Altima to be a sports sedan and do not shy away from admitting to that fact. However as a family car the Nissan Altima scores maximum points. The 2011 Nissan Altima has been given a makeover with changes to the hood, front grille, front bumper and rear license plate area of the car along with 16- and 17-inch wheels.

2011 Nissan Altima Power Train

The 2011 Nissan Altima has two engine choices 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 175 horsepower with180lb-ft of torque and continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) on the Altima sedan, for the Altima coupe a six-speed manual transmission comes as standard with CVT as an option. The Nissan Altima is capable of 0-60 mph in 8.5 sec and delivers a fuel efficeincy of 23/32/27 mpg.

The Nissan Altima 3.5 SR has a 3.5-liter V6 capable of 270 hp with 258 lb-ft of torque, g7 sec. and a fuel efficiency of 20/27/23 mpg .

The 2011 Nissan Altima is available as a sedan or coupe. The hybrid-powered Altima sedan is reviewed separately. There are three trim levels: 2.5, 2.5 S and 3.5 SR.

Nissan Altima Features

The 2011 Nissan Altima comes in tree different trims:

Nissan Altima 2.5: the Altima 2.5 is the base trim which includes16-inch steel wheels, cruise control, keyless entry, full power accessories, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, air-conditioning and a trip computer.

Nissan Altima 2.5 S: The Altima 2.5S which is available both as a sedan and coupe has keyless ignition and entry and a six-speaker stereo and 17-inch alloy wheels for the coupe along with the 2.5 package.

Nissan Altima 3.5 SR: The Altima 3.5SR comes with a V6engine,17-inch alloy wheels, sport-tuned suspension, along with the 2.5 S Convenience package.

2011 Nissan Altima Price

The Nissan Altima retails at $20,270.00 upwards.

Overall the 2011 Nissan Altima is a complete family car with ample space for a road trip while giving you a luxurious feel of an expensive car. The Nissan Altima does well on the performance front as well with a decent power train. Over all the 2011 Nissan Altima is a great car to have at a great price.

HOT OFF the PRESS! Consumer Reports released its Top Ten ranking of 4-cylinder family sedans:

We are pleased to announce that the Nissan Altima ranked #1

***Nissan Altima topped the list for the 4 ^th Year in a row and will be featured in the June issue that hits newsstands on May 10!***

Consumer Reports’ top-scoring four-cylinder family sedans include the Nissan Altima, Hyundai Sonata and Toyota Camry, in that order!

 This is a GREAT vehicle that everyone will LOVE so come test drive one today at University Nissan! 

Automotive App of the Week: RoadAhead

This article by Doug Newcomb is from http://blogs.insideline.com/straightline

May 17, 2011

Have you ever stopped off the highway for a quick caffeine jolt -- and then wanted to toss the bitter-tasting brew out the window as you whiz by a Starbucks five minutes down the road? By promising travelers an easy way to plan for pit stops, the free RoadAhead app for iPhone, iPad and iPhone Touch claims you'll never have to settle for a weak convenience-store cup of joe if your favorite flavored latte awaits two exits ahead.

And with gas prices at an all-time high, you can also use the app to comparison shop for fuel before pulling off the exit ramp, or to make sure that the lowest-priced regular is within range of what's left in your tank.

While you can get some of this info on an in-dash or portable navigation system or from a smartphone nav app, RoadAhead has a few unique features that make it stand out.

For example, because it knows the direction you’re heading, searches are tailored to what's coming up in the next few exits -- not based on what’s behind you. And available services are grouped in order of upcoming exits and the info is presented in an easy-to-read list showing distance/direction from the exit and user ratings and prices, if available. You can tap on an entry to get info such as the address and phone number, and restaurant entries feature Yelp reviews to let you know what you and your stomach are getting into.

The app offers a broad range of categories: shopping, pets, parks, coffee, fast food, fun, dining, auto repair, hotels, groceries, ATMs and more. And you can "multi-tag" categories so that if you’re running late to see your sweetheart and, say, want to buy flowers, purchase a bottle of wine and wash your wheels before reaching your destination, the app will find the nearest exit that offers all three services.

Car Safety Seats New Recommendations!

Shared by Healthy Children.org 

Safety & Prevention

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Car Safety Seats: Information for Families for 2011 

One of the most important jobs you have as a parent is keeping your child safe when riding in a vehicle. Each year thousands of young children are killed or injured in car crashes. Proper use of car safety seats helps keep children safe. But with so many different car safety seats on the market, it’s no wonder many parents find this overwhelming.

The type of seat your child needs depends on several things, including your child’s size and the type of vehicle you have. The following information from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) offers guidance on choosing the most appropriate car safety seat for your child.

To see a list of car safety seats and safety seat manufacturers, click here. 

Infants and toddlers—rear-facing

The AAP recommends that all infants should ride rear-facing starting with their first ride home from the hospital. All infants and toddlers should ride in a Rear-Facing Car Safety Seat until they are 2 years of age or until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their car safety seat’s manufacturer.

Types of rear-facing car safety seats

There are 3 types of rear-facing car safety seats: infant-only seats, convertible seats, and 3-in-1 seats. When children reach the highest weight or length allowed by the manufacturer of their infant-only seat, they should continue to ride rear-facing in a convertible seat or 3-in-1 seat.

Types of Car Safety Seats at a Glance

Age Group	Type Of Seat	General Guidelines
Infants/Toddlers	Infant seats and rear-facing convertible seats	All infants and toddlers should ride in aRear-Facing Car Safety Seat until they are 2 years of age or until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their car safety seat’s manufacturer.
Toddlers/Preschoolers	Convertible seats and forward-facing seats with harnesses	All children 2 years or older, or those younger than 2 years who have outgrown the rear-facing weight or height limit for their car safety seat, should use aForward-Facing Car Safety Seat with a harness for as long as possible, up to the highest weight or height allowed by their car safety seat’s manufacturer.
School-aged children	Booster seats	All children whose weight or height is above the forward-facing limit for their car safety seat should use a Belt-Positioning Booster Seat until the vehicle seat belt fits properly, typically when they have reached 4 feet 9 inches in height and are between 8 and 12 years of age.
Older children	Seat belts	When children are old enough and large enough to use the vehicle seat belt alone, they should always use Lap and Shoulder Seat Belts for optimal protection. All children younger than 13 years should be restrained in the Rear Seats of vehicles for optimal protection.

Figure 1: Infant-only car safety seat

1. Infant-only seats
• Are used for infants up to 22 to 35 pounds, depending on the model.
• Are small and have carrying handles (and sometimes come as part of a stroller system).
• May come with a base that can be left in the car. The seat clicks into and out of the base so you don’t have to install the seat each time you use it. Parents can buy more than one base for additional vehicles.
• Are used only for travel (not for positioning outside the vehicle).
2. Convertible seats (used rear-facing)
• Can be used rear-facing, then “converted” to forward-facing for older children. This means the seat can be used longer by your child. They are bulkier than infant seats, however, and do not come with carrying handles or separate bases.
• May have higher rear-facing weight (30–40 pounds) and height limits than infant-only seats, which make them ideal for bigger babies.
• Usually have a 5-point harness that attaches at the shoulders, at the hips, and between the legs. Older convertible seats may have an overhead shield—a padded tray-like shield that swings down over the child.
3. 3-in-1 seats (used rear-facing)
• Can be used rear-facing, forward-facing, or as a belt-positioning booster. This means the seat may be used longer by your child.
• Are often bigger in size so adequate space within the vehicle when rear-facing should be determined.
• Do not have the convenience of a carrying handle or a separate base; however, they may have higher rear-facing weight (35–40 pounds) and height limits than infant-only seats, which make them ideal for bigger babies.

Installation tips for rear-facing seats

When using a rear-facing seat, keep the following in mind:

• Place the harnesses in your rear-facing seat in slots that are at or below your baby’s shoulders.
• Ensure that the harness is snug and that the harness clip is positioned at the mid-chest level.
• Make sure the car safety seat is installed tightly in the vehicle. If you can move the seat at the belt path more than an inch side to side or front to back, it’s not tight enough.
• Never place a rear-facing car safety seat in the front seat of a vehicle that has an active front passenger air bag. If the air bag inflates, it will hit the back of the car safety seat, right where your baby’s head is, and could cause serious injury or death.
• Be sure you know what kind of seat belts your vehicle has. Some seat belts need locking clips to keep the belt locked into position. Locking clips come with most new car safety seats. If you’re not sure, check the owner’s manual that came with your vehicle. Locking clips are not needed in most newer vehicles, and some seats have built-in lock-offs to lock the belt.
• If you are using a convertible or 3-in-1 seat in the rear-facing position, make sure the seat belt is routed through the correct belt path. Check the instructions that came with the car safety seat to be sure.
• If your vehicle was made after 2002, it may come with the LATCH system, which is used to secure car safety seats. See below for information on using LATCH.
• Make sure the seat is at the correct angle so your infant’s head does not flop forward. Many seats have angle indicators or adjusters that can help prevent this. If your seat does not have an angle adjuster, tilt the car safety seat back by putting a rolled towel or other firm padding (such as a pool noodle) under the base near the point where the back and bottom of the vehicle seat meet.
• Still having trouble? There may be a certified child passenger safety (CPS) technician in your area who can help. If you need installation help, see below for information on how to locate a CPS technician.

Common questions

Q: What if my baby’s feet touch the back of the vehicle seat?

A: Your child can bend his legs easily and will be comfortable in a convertible seat. Injuries to the legs are rare for children facing the rear.

Q: What do I do if my baby slouches down or to the side in his car safety seat?

A: Blanket rolls may be placed on both sides of the infant and a small diaper or blanket between the crotch strap and the infant. Do not place padding under or behind the infant or use any sort of car safety seat insert unless it came with the seat or was made by the manufacturer of the seat.

Figure 2: Car safety seat with a small cloth between crotch strap and infant, retainer clip positioned at the midpoint of the infant’s chest, and blanket rolls on both sides of the infant.

Q: Can I adjust the straps when my baby is wearing thicker clothing, like in the winter?

A: Yes, but make sure the harnesses are still snug. Also remember to tighten the straps again after the thicker clothes are no longer needed. Ideally, dress your baby in thinner layers instead of a bulky coat or snowsuit, and tuck a blanket around your baby over the buckled harness straps if needed.

Q: Are rear-facing convertible seats OK to use for preemies?

A: Premature infants should be tested while still in the hospital to make sure they can ride safely in a reclined position. Babies who need to lie flat during travel should ride in a crash-tested car bed. Very small infants who can ride safely in a reclined position usually fit better in infant-only seats; however, if you need to use a convertible seat, choose one without a tray-shield harness. The shields often are too big and too far from the body to fit correctly and the child’s face could hit the shield in a crash.

Q: What is LATCH?

A: LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) is an attachment system for car safety seats. Lower anchors can be used instead of the seat belt to install the seat and may be easier to use in some cars. The top tether improves the safety provided by the seat and is important to use for all forward-facing seats. Read the vehicle owner’s manual and the car safety seat instructions for weight limits for lower anchors and top tethers.

Vehicles with the LATCH system have anchors located in the back seat. Car safety seats that come with LATCH have attachments that fasten to these anchors. Nearly all passenger vehicles and all car safety seats made on or after September 1, 2002, come with LATCH. However, unless both your vehicle and the car safety seat have the lower anchor system, you will still need to use seat belts to install the car safety seat.

Toddlers and preschoolers—forward-facing

All children 2 years or older, or those younger than 2 years who have outgrown the rear-facing weight or height limit for their car safety seat, should use a Forward-Facing Car Safety Seat with a harness for as long as possible, up to the highest weight or height allowed by their car safety seat’s manufacturer. It is best for children to ride in a seat with a harness as long as possible, at least to 4 years of age. If your child outgrows his seat before reaching 4 years of age, consider using a seat with a harness approved for higher weights and heights.

Figure 3: Forward-facing car safety seat

Types of car safety restraints

There are 5 types of car safety restraints that can be used forward-facing.

1. Convertible seats—Seats that “convert” from rear-facing to forward-facing seats. These include 3-in-1 seats.
2. Forward-facing only—These seats can be used forward-facing with a harness for children who weigh up to 40 to 80 pounds (depending on the model).
3. Combination seat with harness—These seats can be used forward-facing with a harness for children who weigh up to 40 to 80 pounds (depending on the model) or without the harness as a booster (up to 80–100 pounds).
4. Built-in seats—Some vehicles come with forward-facing seats built in. Weight and height limits vary. Read your vehicle owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer for details about how to use these seats.
5. Travel vests—These can be worn by children between 20 and 168 pounds and can be an alternative to traditional forward-facing seats. They are useful for when a vehicle has lap-only seat belts in the rear or for children whose weight has exceeded that allowed by car safety seats. These vests may require use of a top tether.

Installation tips for forward-facing seats

Make sure the car safety seat is installed tightly in the vehicle and that the harness fits the child snugly.

To switch a convertible or 3-in-1 seat from rear-facing to forward-facing

• Move the shoulder straps to the slots that are at or above your child’s shoulders. On some convertible seats, the top harness slots must be used when facing forward. Check the instructions that came with the seat to be sure.
• You may have to adjust the recline angle of the seat. Check the instructions to be sure.
• Make sure the seat belt runs through the forward-facing belt path. When making these changes, always follow the car safety seat instructions.
• If your vehicle was made after 2002, it should come with the LATCH system, which is used to secure car safety seats.

A tether is a strap that attaches to the top of a car safety seat and to an anchor point in your vehicle (see your vehicle owner’s manual to find where the tether anchors are in your vehicle). Tethers give important extra protection by keeping the car safety seat and the child’s head from moving too far forward in a crash or sudden stop. All new cars, minivans, and light trucks have been required to have tether anchors since September 2000. New forward-facing car safety seats come with tethers. Check the car safety seat instructions and vehicle owner’s manual for information about the top weight limit and locations of the tether anchors.

Common questions

Q: What if I drive more children than can be buckled safely in the back seat?

A: It’s best to avoid this, especially if your vehicle has air bags in the front seat. All children younger than 13 years should ride in the back seat. If absolutely necessary, a child in a forward-facing car safety seat with a harness may be the best choice to ride in front. Just be sure the vehicle seat is moved as far back away from the dashboard (and the air bag) as possible.

Q: What do I need to know if my child will be driven by someone else, such as for child care or school?

A: If your child is being driven by someone else, make sure

• The car safety seat your child will be using fits properly in the vehicle used for transport.
• The car safety seat being used is appropriate for the age and size of your child.
• The person in charge of transporting your child knows how to install and use the car safety seat correctly.

Child care programs and schools should have written guidelines for transporting children. These guidelines should include the following:

• All drivers must have a valid driver’s license. In some states, school bus drivers need to have a special type of license.
• Staff-to-child ratios for transport should meet or exceed those required for the classroom.
• Every child should be supervised during transport, either by school staff or a parent volunteer, so the driver can focus on driving.
• School staff, teachers, and drivers should know what do to in an emergency, know how to properly use car safety seats and seat belts, and be aware of other safety requirements.

Q: Should my child ride in a car safety seat on an airplane?

A: Most infant, convertible, and forward-facing seats can be used on airplanes, but booster seats and travel vests cannot. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the AAP recommend that when flying, children should be securely fastened in certified child restraints until 4 years of age, and then should be secured with the airplane seat belts. This will help keep them safe during takeoff and landing or in case of turbulence. Check the label on your car safety seat or call the car safety seat manufacturer before you travel to see if your seat is certified for use on an airplane. You can also consider using a restraint made only for use on airplanes and approved by the FAA.

School-aged children—booster seats

Booster seats are for older children who have outgrown their forward-facing car safety seats. All children whose weight or height is above the forward-facing limit for their car safety seat should use a Belt-Positioning Booster Seat until the vehicle seat belt fits properly, typically when they have reached 4 feet 9 inches in height and are between 8 and 12 years of age. The owner’s manual that comes with your car safety seat will tell you the height and weight limits for the seat. As a general guideline, a child has outgrown his forward-facing seat when any one of the following is true:

• He reaches the top weight or height allowed for his seat with a harness. (These limits are listed on the seat and also included in the instruction booklet.)
• His shoulders are above the top harness slots.
• His ears have reached the top of the seat.

Types of booster seats

Booster seats are designed to raise the child up so that the lap and shoulder seat belts fit properly. High-back and backless booster seats are available. They do not come with harness straps but are used with the lap and shoulder seat belts in your vehicle, the same way an adult rides. Booster seats should be used until your child can correctly fit in lap and shoulder seat belts. Booster seats typically include a plastic clip or guide to help ensure the correct use of the vehicle lap and shoulder belts. See the instruction booklet that came with the booster seat for directions on how to use the guide or clip.

Figure 4: Belt-positioning booster seat

Installation tips for booster seats

Booster seats must be used with a lap and shoulder belt. When using a booster seat, make sure

• The lap belt lies low and snug across your child’s upper thighs.
• The shoulder belt crosses the middle of your child’s chest and shoulder.

Common questions

Q: What if my car only has lap belts in the back seat?

A: Lap belts work fine with infant-only, convertible, and forward-facing seats. If your car only has lap belts, use a forward-facing car safety seat with a harness and higher weight limits. Other options are

• Check to see if shoulder belts can be installed in your vehicle.
• Use a travel vest (some can be used with lap belts).
• Consider buying another car with lap and shoulder belts in the back seat.

Q: Is there a difference between high-back and backless boosters?

A: Both types of boosters are designed to raise your child so the seat belts fit properly and both will reduce your child’s risk of injury in a crash. High-back boosters are useful in vehicles that do not have head rests or have low seat backs. Many seats that look like high-back boosters are actually combination seats. They come with harnesses that can be used for smaller children and can then be removed for older children. Backless boosters are usually less expensive and are easier to move from vehicle to vehicle. Backless boosters can be safely used in vehicles with headrests and high seat backs.

Older children—seat belts

Seat belts are made for adults. Your child should stay in a booster seat until adult seat belts fit correctly (usually when the child reaches about 4 feet 9 inches in height and is between 8 and 12 years of age). When children are old enough and large enough to use the vehicle seat belt alone, they should always use Lap and Shoulder Seat Belts for optimal protection.

Using a seat belt

1. An adult seat belt fits correctly when
• The shoulder belt lies across the middle of the chest and shoulder, not the neck or throat.
• The lap belt is low and snug across the upper thighs, not the belly.
• Your child is tall enough to sit against the vehicle seat back with her knees bent without slouching and can stay in this position comfortably throughout the trip.
2. Other points to keep in mind when using seat belts include
• Make sure your child does not tuck the shoulder belt under her arm or behind her back. This leaves the upper body unprotected, putting your child at risk of severe injury in a crash or with sudden braking.
• Never allow anyone to “share” seat belts. All passengers must have their own car safety seats or seat belts.

Common Questions

Q: I’ve seen products that say they can help make the seat belt fit better. Should we get one of these?

A: No, these products should not be used. In fact, they may actually interfere with proper seat belt fit by causing the lap belt to ride too high on the stomach and making the shoulder belt too loose. They can even damage the seat belt. This rule applies to car safety seats too; do not use any extra products unless they came with the seat. There are no federal safety standards for these products and until there are, the AAP does not recommend they be used. As long as children are riding in the correct restraint for their size, they should not need to use any additional devices.

Shopping for car safety seats

When shopping for a car safety seat, keep the following tips in mind:

• No one seat is the “best” or “safest.” The best seat is the one that fits your child’s size, is correctly installed, fits well in your vehicle, and is used properly every time you drive.
• Don’t decide by price alone. A higher price does not mean the seat is safer or easier to use.
• Avoid used seats if you don’t know the seat’s history. Never use a car safety seat that
• Is too old. Look on the label for the date it was made. Check with the manufacturer to find out how long it recommends using the seat.
• Has any visible cracks on it.
• Does not have a label with the date of manufacture and model number. Without these, you cannot check to see if the seat has been recalled.
• Does not come with instructions. You need them to know how to use the seat.
• Is missing parts. Used car safety seats often come without important parts. Check with the manufacturer to make sure you can get the right parts.
• Was recalled. You can find out by calling the manufacturer or by contacting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888/327-4236. You can also visit the NHTSA Web site.
• Do not use seats that have been in a moderate or severe crash. Seats that were in a minor crash may still be safe to use, but some car safety seat manufacturers recommend replacing the seat after any crash, even a minor one. The NHTSA considers a crash minor if all of the following are true:
• The vehicle could be driven away from the crash.
• The vehicle door closest to the car safety seat was not damaged.
• No one in the vehicle was injured.
• The air bags did not go off.
• You can’t see any damage to the car safety seat.

If you are unsure, call the manufacturer of the seat. See "Manufacturer phone numbers and Web sites" for manufacturer contact information.

About air bags

Front air bags

All new cars come with front air bags. When used with seat belts, air bags work very well to protect teenagers and adults. However, air bags can be very dangerous to children, particularly those riding in rear-facing car safety seats, and to preschool and young school-aged children who are not properly restrained. If your vehicle has a front passenger air bag, infants in rear-facing seats must ride in the back seat. Even in a relatively low-speed crash, the air bag can inflate, strike the car safety seat, and cause serious brain injury and death.

Vehicles with no back seat or a back seat that is not made for passengers are not the best choice for traveling with small children. However, the air bag can be turned off in some of these vehicles if the front seat is needed for a child passenger. See your vehicle owner’s manual for more information.

Side air bags

Side air bags improve safety for adults in side-impact crashes. Read your vehicle owner’s manual for more information about the air bags in your vehicle. Read your car safety seat manual and the vehicle owner’s manual for guidance on placing the seat next to a side air bag.

If you need installation help

If you have questions or need help installing your car safety seat, find a certified CPS technician. Lists of certified CPS technicians and child seat fitting stations are available on the following Web sites:

NHTSA (or call NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888/327-4236)

SeatCheck (or call 866/SEATCHECK [866/732-8243])

National Child Passenger Safety Certified Technicians (or call 877/366-8154) This site provides information in Spanish and also provides a list of CPS technicians with enhanced training in protection of children with special needs.

Important reminders

1. Be a good role model. Make sure you always wear your seat belt. This will help your child form a lifelong habit of buckling up.
2. Never leave your child alone in or around cars. Any of the following can happen when a child is left alone in or around a vehicle:
• He can die of heat stroke because temperatures can reach deadly levels in minutes.
• He can be strangled by power windows, retracting seat belts, sunroofs, or accessories.
• He can knock the vehicle into gear, setting it in motion.
• He can be backed over when the vehicle backs up.
• He can become trapped in the trunk of the vehicle.
3. Always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If you do not have the manufacturer’s instructions for your car safety seat, write or call the company’s customer service department. They will ask you for the model number, name of seat, and date of manufacture. The manufacturer’s address and phone number are on the label on the seat. Also be sure to follow the instructions in your vehicle owner’s manual about using car safety seats. Some manufacturers’ instructions may be available on their Web sites.

Last Updated

 

3/20/2011