Car seat safety check in Exeter
Professional car seat safety check services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60
Typical Duration
0.5-1 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Child car seat safety check at your home. I'll confirm it's fitted correctly, tightened properly, and actually protecting your child like it should.
Most Car Seats Aren't Fitted Properly
Scary stat: 70% of car seats have some kind of fitting issue. Too loose, wrong angle, harness not adjusted right. Yours might look fine but there's often something not quite perfect. A proper check catches it.
💡 Pro tip: The "one inch rule" - car seat shouldn't move more than an inch side-to-side or front-to-back when you yank it. If it does, it's too loose.
Professional Check vs Hoping It's Right
| ✅ Safety Check | ❌ Never Checked |
|---|---|
| Confirmed installed correctly | Might be too loose |
| Harness properly adjusted | Could be wrong height |
| Right recline angle | Possibly unsafe angle |
| Peace of mind | Constant worry |
What Gets Checked
🔧 Full Safety Inspection
| Check | What I Look For |
|---|---|
| Installation | ISOFIX clicked in or belt routed right |
| Tightness | Less than 1 inch movement when yanked |
| Recline angle | Correct for child's age/weight |
| Harness position | Straps at right shoulder height |
| Harness tightness | No slack - pinch test at shoulders |
| Chest clip | At armpit level, not too high/low |
📦 Seat Types I Check
- Rear-facing infant carriers
- Forward-facing toddler seats
- High-back boosters
- ISOFIX and belted seats
- All-in-one convertible seats
Pricing
| Service | Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Single seat safety check | 15-30 mins | £60 |
| Multiple seats same visit | 30-60 mins | £60 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour). Includes fixing any issues found.
When To Get A Check
✅ First time fitting - confirm you've done it right
✅ New car - seat might fit differently
✅ Child grown - harness needs adjusting
✅ Second-hand seat - make sure it's still safe
✅ Pre-journey - long trip, want peace of mind
Why Choose Us for Car seat safety check in Exeter?
Confirmed fitted correctly and safely
Straps and anchors checked properly
Shown correct tightening technique
Peace of mind your child's safe
What to Expect
Step 1: Visual Inspection
Look at how seat's installed, check obvious things like ISOFIX connections, belt routing, general positioning.
Step 2: Tightness Test
Proper yank test - seat shouldn't move more than an inch. If it does, it needs tightening or reinstalling.
Step 3: Harness Check
Straps at right height for child's shoulders, tightened properly (pinch test - no slack), chest clip at armpit level.
🔧 DIY Tips
Want to check your own car seat? Here's what to look for:
🔧 The checks to do
- Grab the seat where the belt/ISOFIX goes through
- Yank it hard side-to-side and front-to-back
- Should move less than 1 inch (2.5cm)
- If it moves more, it's too loose
📐 Harness position
- Shoulder strap height: Level with shoulders or just above (forward-facing) or just below (rear-facing)
- Tightness: You shouldn't be able to pinch any slack at child's shoulder
- Chest clip: At armpit level when buckled
- No twists: Straps should be flat, not twisted
🔗 Installation types
- ISOFIX: Must hear/feel clicks, indicators show green, no wobble
- Seatbelt: Belt locked off tight, routed through correct path for your seat
- Recline: Check indicator on seat side - in correct zone for child's age
⚠️ Common mistakes
- Seatbelt not locked (let it retract fully, pull it all out, let it retract again)
- ISOFIX not fully clicked in (push hard, you'll feel it)
- Harness too loose (you think it's tight but there's hidden slack)
- Wrong recline angle (too upright or too reclined for age)
- Straps at wrong shoulder height (adjust as child grows)
💡 Pro trick: After tightening, push down hard on the seat while pulling the belt/ISOFIX tight. Compresses padding and gets it tighter than just pulling alone.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
👶 New parent? I'll show you the correct fitting technique so you can check it yourself regularly. Knowledge you'll use for years.
When to replace: Car seats expire (usually 6-10 years from manufacture). If yours has been in an accident, even minor, replace it - internal damage isn't visible.
Often combined with:
- Baby car seat fitting (if you're starting fresh)
- Multiple seats checked (different cars or kids)
- Pre-journey safety check
Regular checks: Seats can loosen over time from vibration and use. Quick check every few months takes 2 minutes and could save your child's life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why would I need a car seat safety check?
Because studies show 7 out of 10 car seats are fitted incorrectly - too loose, wrong angle, straps not tight enough. You might think it's fine but there's often something not quite right. A check confirms it's properly installed and your child's actually protected in an accident.
What do you actually check?
ISOFIX connections or seatbelt routing, tightness (shouldn't move more than an inch), recline angle, harness strap position and tightness, chest clip position. Basically everything that affects whether the seat will protect your child properly in a crash.
I fitted it following the instructions - isn't that enough?
Instructions help but they're generic. Every car's different, every seat model has quirks. I've seen seats that look fine but wobble too much, or harnesses that seem tight but have slack hidden. Independent check catches what you might miss.
Can you check multiple seats in one visit?
Yes - if you've got seats in different cars or multiple kids' seats in one car, I'll check them all. Same visit, one price if it's under an hour total.
What if you find it's not fitted right?
I'll show you what's wrong and fix it there and then. Tighten it properly, adjust straps, reposition if needed. You don't pay extra for the adjustment - it's all part of the check.
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01392 964094Request Online QuoteOur Rates
Got multiple jobs?
Make the most of your first hour - I can often tackle several small tasks in one visit. List everything you need done when you call!
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