Support

Installation FAQs

• Can the vehicle seat belt retractor be locked / switched to automatic locking mode when installing a Britax car seat with ClickTight®? 

  After the seat belt installation is achieved following applicable instructions and warnings, the locking retractor can be switched to the automatic locking mode if desired. DO NOT pull on the shoulder belt to get the next click out of the retractor.  If you locked the retractor or switched it to automatic locking mode during installation, Britax recommends you follow the below steps when uninstalling/removing the car seat from the vehicle:
  

  
  

  • • Hold the shoulder belt with one hand so that the retractor does not start taking up the seat belt webbing;
  • • Unbuckle the vehicle seat belt;
  • • Open ClickTight;
  • • Remove the vehicle seat belt completely from the car seat belt path; and
  • • Release the vehicle shoulder belt.

• Can I install Britax® seats using both LATCH and the vehicle seat belt at the same time?

  No. Britax car seats should be installed using only one installation method – either the vehicle’s seat belt and car seat tether (if anchor is available) or lower anchors. Parents should always refer to the car seat user guide with any questions.

• Which installation method is safer to use: LATCH or vehicle seat belt?

  Both LATCH and the vehicle seat belt are safe installation methods when used correctly and independently of one another. The best method is the one that provides a secure and proper fit in your vehicle. Always refer to your vehicle's owner’s manual and the car seat manual to determine the best installation method for your situation.

• Where can I have my car seat installation inspected?

  You can help ensure your car seat is correctly installed by consulting with a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST). They can assist you in selecting the right seat, using it correctly, and properly installing it. To find a CPST or a certified installation check station near you, visit SafeKids.org or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) inspection location website.

• Can I use an inflatable seat belt to install my Britax car seat?

  No, current Britax car seats are not compatible with inflatable seat belts. If your vehicle is equipped with inflatable seat belts, we recommend using the LATCH system (within the weight limits) or installing the car seat in a position that does not have an inflatable seat belt. Always refer to your car seat manual for the most accurate guidance. If you own an older Britax car seat that has not expired yet, please visit our Inflatable Seat Belt Policy for more information.

• Is the top tether required for forward-facing car seat installations on Britax convertible, all-in-one, and harness-2-booster car seats?

  Britax strongly recommends (in Canada it’s required) that the top tether be used when installing the child seat forward-facing. Using the tether will improve the stability of the car seat and reduce the risk of injury. Do not use the tether with rear-facing installations. Always refer to your vehicle owner’s manual for proper connection and weight limits.

• Can I use the top tether in rear-facing mode on Britax convertible, all-in-one, and harness-2-booster car seats?
  No, the top tether is not designed to be used with rear-facing car seat installations. The top tether is specifically designed for use in forward-facing harness mode to enhance safety.
• How should I store the top tether on my Britax car seat when it's not in use?

  When the top tether is not in use, store the excess webbing in the attached elastic strap or the tether storage compartment located on the back of some of the Britax car seats. This helps ensure the tether is safely out of the way and ready for use when needed.

• What are the base overhang restrictions for Britax car seats?

  The allowable overhang for Britax car seat bases can vary depending on the specific model. Generally, the car seat base may overhang the front edge of the vehicle seat by a certain amount, as specified in the user guide for each model. It’s essential to consult the user guide for your Britax car seat to determine the correct overhang allowance.